Virgil Anderson

Virgil RDell Anderson, 94, of Fort Ransom, ND passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at the North Dakota Veteran's Home in Lisbon, ND.

Virgil was born in rural Fort Ransom on April 25, 1931 to Tilden and Nora (Sorby) Anderson. He graduated from Fort Ransom High School in 1949, attended Valley City State Teacher's College for a teaching certificate, and then taught at the Springer School for 1½ years. At that time, as a member of the Lisbon, ND Army National Guard, he served in the Korean War from 1951-1952. Upon returning home, he began farming with his father, and on October 17, 1953 married the love of his life Betty (Olson), also of Fort Ransom. They lived and worked on the family farm for nearly 50 years, where they raised their four children. In addition, Virgil worked with the Bohlken brothers of Lisbon and often worked with other farmers in the community, whether for hire or to just lend a hand when needed. He and Betty retired to the town of Fort Ransom in 2002, and then to the Veteran's Home in March 2025.

Since he was a boy Virgil had many interests. He was a Boy Scout and supported the Fort Ransom troop later as his sons and nephews participated. He was very proud of his military service and active in the VFW into his 90s. With faith being central, he was baptized, confirmed, and married at Standing Rock Lutheran Church, supporting Betty's service as the church organist, watching the kids on Sundays and making many trips with her to weddings and funerals across the area. He also served on the church council and was instrumental in planning and fundraising for many initiatives. He served on the Kathryn Elevator Board, Preston Township Board, Ransom County Fair Board, helped found Fort Ransom's 7th Cavalry re-enactment unit, assisted in choosing the site for the ski hill (now Thrill Hills), and was active in the Sons of Norway. He was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed all aspects of horsemanship, loved to go dancing with Betty, was an ace card player, traveled with Betty all over the U.S. and multiple trips to Norway, read historical books, enjoyed woodworking and restoring antique tractors, and maintained a flawless yard. Most of all, he loved spending time with his large family, of which he was immensely proud.

Virgil is survived by his wife Betty; daughter Noreen Fraase of Fort Ransom, ND; son Jeff (Carol) Anderson of Bismarck, ND; son Lynn (Amanda) Anderson of Elizabeth, CO; grandchildren Lea Fuller, Reed Fraase, Mark Fraase, Katie Franks, Nataly Weisz, Jordan Anderson, Kelsey Anderson, Travis Anderson, Charlie Anderson, and Heather Anderson; and great-grandchildren Tristan Fuller, Kennedy Fraase, Hadley Fraase, Nora Fraase, Cullen Fraase, Eleanor Franks, Lydia Franks, Evalyn Weisz, Trey Anderson, Max Anderson, Jade Anderson, Cole Anderson, and Millie Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tilden and Nora Anderson, sister LaVerne (Anderson) Olson, sister Lorraine (Johnson) Hilde, son Terry Anderson, daughter-in-law Karen (Kostuck) Anderson, grandson Nickolas Anderson, and son-in-law Bruce Fraase.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Standing Rock Lutheran Church in Fort Ransom, ND with visitation 1 hour prior to the funeral service. The burial committal service will be held at a later date. Virgil's service will be livestreamed below.