Gary Carl Anderson

Gary Carl Anderson ObituaryPlymouth, MN - On Christmas Eve morning, Gary Carl Anderson's long and well-lived life reached its final chapter. We trust that he has already settled into heaven with a good book, a crossword puzzle, and plenty of cookies. Gary passed away peacefully from complications of a stroke on December 24, 2025, at age 91.

Gary was born in Hawley, MN, to Allan and Selma Anderson, and made his home for many years in St. Louis Park and Plymouth, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 64 years, Mary (Field); his brother, Dennis (Mary Ellen); his four children, David (Sherri), Steven (Jillian), Robb (Kelly), and Jill (Bill); and eight cherished grandchildren-Maddy, Grace, Nadya, Carter, Chloe, Izzy, Hope, and Claire.

A lifelong learner with a remarkable memory, Gary was curious, quick-witted, a gifted storyteller, and deeply faithful, living by his favorite saying: "While we don't know WHAT the future holds, we do know WHO holds the future."

Gary earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and his master's degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. A talented trumpet player, he performed with the Concordia and Lutheran Synod Bands. Gary devoted 39 years to teaching mathematics at Hamline University, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1997. He also did academic work at Augsburg, Pacific Lutheran University, Rutgers, and Clemson-and consulted for Univac and Control Data.

Early in their courtship, after just three dates, Gary left on a 100-day bicycle tour of Europe with a Hamline colleague, sending more than 40 postcards to be sure Mary wouldn't forget him - an effort that clearly worked. Travel would become a hallmark of their life together, as they went on to visit more than 60 countries, including the Great Wall of China and African safaris. At home, Gary delighted in watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and perform in concerts.

Together, they served their community through Westwood Lutheran Church, Loaves and Fishes, and the MSP Airport Foundation. Always in search of "a book that needed reading," Gary also recorded books for Minnesota State Services for the Blind for more than 15 years. He was a Bethel Bible Series teacher at Central Lutheran Church and served as a Stephen Minister at Westwood.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, January 9, at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, MN. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., with luncheon to follow. The funeral will be streamed at www.westwood.church/watch-funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Westwood Lutheran Church or Lutheran World Relief.