Donald H. Anderson
Tuesday, December 1, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 27, 2017
Age:
91 years old
Tuesday, December 1, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 27, 2017
Age:
91 years old
Tuesday, December 1, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 27, 2017
Age:
91 years old
Donald H. Anderson
Donald Herbert Anderson, age 91, passed away in his home on February 27, 2017. Don was well known to be a kind, generous, and loving man, who loved to share stories of his great life adventures, and unique experiences. He adored his wife of 67 years, his four children, his ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Don was always known to carry a camera along to capture every memorable family event.
Don was a member of the Rochester Assembly of God Church, and he enjoyed attending weekly Bible Studies. He was known by all as having a passion for life, and the people he shared his life with. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Don was born December 1, 1925, in Wisconsin, to G. Herbert and Mabel Anderson. As the oldest of ten children, he had fond memories of growing up as a farm boy who worked hard, but enjoyed all the best that life had to offer. At 17, he volunteered to become an Army Air Force fighter pilot, and flying jets became a life-long dream come true. He married his high school sweetheart, Priscilla (Pat) Skane, on May 17, 1946. Don studied Meteorology as a pilot, and spent time stationed in Alaska and Japan. After having three children, he enrolled in Dental School at the University of Minnesota. He opened his first dental practice in Zumbrota, MN in 1960. His and Pat’s fourth child was born soon after, and in 1968 the family moved to Rochester. Don continued to practice dentistry until 1982, when he sold his practice to become a missionary dentist in Costa Rica and El Salvador, setting up dental clinics for the poor. His missionary dental clinics continue to serve those he was so passionate to help.
Don’s wife, Pat, preceded him in death in 2013, and he is survived by his children, Keith (Carole) Anderson of LaCrosse, WI, Kay (Dan) Thompson of Twenty Nine Palms, CA, Lynne (Tony) Gibbons of Camarillo, CA, Janelle (David) Milliken of Rochester; ten grandchildren, Robyn Hallonquist, Dustin Anderson, Christopher Taylor, Jennifer Huntsman, Genny Herman, Nathan Gibbons, Tony Gibbons, Carrie Gibbons, Trevor Lund, Jordan Lund; ten great-grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Savannah, Connor, Hiroto, Aiden, Perrin, Selena, Sierra, and Jax; his sisters, Ruby (Bergman) and Norma (Wagner); and brothers Delbert and John. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Russell, James, and Vernon; and two sisters, Ruth (James) and Judy (Gunlock).
Visitation will be held for Don in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, MN, on Friday March 3, from 11:00am-1:00pm. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Filbeck officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery with military rites provided by American Legion Post 92.
Condolences
The family of Donald H. Anderson has received the following condolences.
My grandpa was the sweetest kindest most generous person I've ever known. He is the perfect example of what all good men should aspire to be like! I love you Popsie!???
What a privilege it has been to have shared a "season in the life' of our dear friend and brother in the Lord, Don Anderson. As we mourn with family and friends at his passing, our hearts rejoice that he is forever in the presence of Christ Jesus his Savior, and has been reunited with his wife and the love of his life, Pat. To all who have ever had the opportunity to visit with Don over a quick cup of coffee or had a lengthy heart-to-heart talk, you realized you had walked away a better person. Recently, Ed and Pearlene Long and my wife, Becky, were blessed in spending such an afternoon visiting with Don at his home. His stories kept us spellbound as we drank in each vivid memory from his service flights and weather station experiences. Many of us rarely have had opportunity to know someone who has accomplished all Don had throughout his life. Yet, for all his incredible achievements, Don was careful to ALWAYS give the honor and glory to God. Don was a man of humility and a man of his word who assuredly loved his family and country, continually seeking the will of God. He will be missed but we anticipate the day when we will join Don in that Heavenly and precious dwelling with the Lord Jesus! Love, blessings and comfort to family and friends.
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you' He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
The loss of a loved one is a very sad and heavy load to bare. May you find comfort at Acts 24:15 "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I worked for your dad as a dental ass't from 11/1977 to 8/1982. He was a great man to work for. I also remember the trip to Hawaii w/ Dr Anderson, Pat, Lynne ,Janelle & Dr A's mom. Will always remember that. Your Dad will be missed by many. Sending prayers to all of you.