James Andersen

James "Jim" Marvin Andersen passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on October 10, 1951, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Marvin Chris Andersen and Frances "Marie" (Garner) Andersen. In 1957, the family moved to rural Vining, Minnesota, where Jim grew up and later attended the First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. He attended Parkers Prairie schools from first grade through high school, graduating in 1969.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy Seabees from 1971 until August 11, 1976. During his service, he was stationed in Okinawa, Diego Garcia, Guam, and Rota, Spain, and was honorably discharged after six years of faithful service.

On August 13, 1976, Jim married Janet Foster in Port Hueneme, California. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Longview, Texas, where Jim attended LeTourneau University, graduating in May 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Missions. Jim and Janet were blessed with two children: John, born in May 1981, and Joy, born in July 1983, both in Longview.

Jim worked in construction and carpentry in the Longview area until 1985, when the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Janet pursued her master's and doctorate degrees at the University of Minnesota. In 1991, they relocated to Holland, Michigan, where Jim continued his construction and carpentry work. Jim and Janet shared 29 years of marriage until her untimely death in a motor vehicle accident on November 24, 2005.

On October 13, 2007, Jim married Else (Larsen) Malbraaten at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood, Minnesota. Jim cherished life on their farmstead, where he enjoyed his barn and having space to work on his carpentry projects, tractors, and his beloved Studebaker car. He found great joy in building and repairing anything for family and friends, reading, watching his children and grandchildren grow and play sports, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Jim will be remembered for his kind, gentle, and quiet spirit, as well as his warm sense of humor. He loved Jesus Christ deeply and lived his life in faithful service to his Lord, his family, his friends, and his church.

Jim is survived by his wife, Else Andersen; his children, John (Christine) Andersen of Holland, Michigan, and Joy Andersen (Matthew) Reider of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; his stepchildren, Michelle (Brett) Pixton of Boise, Idaho, and Melissa (Adam) Emerich of Oronoco, Minnesota; and his grandchildren, James and Ethan Andersen; Everett, Oliver, and Alexander Reider; Corrine and Luke Pixton; and Aiden and Aubrey Emerich. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy (James) Johnson of Richfield, Minnesota, and Cherllyn Andersen of Edina, Minnesota, along with many nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Marie Andersen, and by his first wife, Janet Andersen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sverdrup Lutheran Memorial Fund, Habitat for Humanity or Fergus Falls Food Shelf.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, Underwood, MN, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Tammy Jacobson

Interment: Spring of 2026, Sverdrup Lutheran Cemetery, Underwood, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com