Watch John's Funeral

John E. Anderson, 80, of Hitterdal, MN, died Friday, January 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

John Ellis Anderson was born February 15, 1942, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the son of Juel and Ethel (Heiraas) Anderson.  He grew up in the Hitterdal area, attending grade school and graduating from Hitterdal High School with the Class of 1960.  Following high school, John joined the Minnesota National Guard.  He returned to the area and began working at Sellin Brothers, Inc. in Hawley, MN, and also worked on a few campaigns for American Crystal Sugar. John was introduced to farming by his dad and then began his own farming career that lasted more than 55 years.

On November 26, 1971, John was united in marriage to Julie Gibson.  The couple made their home on the family farm northwest of Hitterdal and were blessed with three children: Carrie, Cristian and Adam.  Over the years, John worked hard raising beef cattle and growing small grains and row crops.  Although, he never really considered it a job but more a way of life, always tending to the earth and harvesting the fruits of his labors.  In 2008, John and Julie moved off the farm into their new home in town.  He continued to help Cris on the farm with day-to-day chores, all the time while tending to his own yard and bountiful garden.  He truly loved spending his days in the great outdoors and enjoying the simple beauty all around him.  John will be remembered as a hardworking, caring individual with a great sense of humor.  He was quick-witted and always had a one liner or song to fit any situation! John believed in getting your work done first, then playing later.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting with friends, camping, and the traditional Norwegian meal of lutefisk. John took pride in his yard, working in his garden and tending to his flowers and trees. His love of the land and passion for nurturing and harvesting led him to enjoy and appreciate many hours at WMSTR,  (Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion) in Rollag, MN, especially when the feature tractors were John Deere! The JD tractors were his favorite and he even had smaller display tractors he collected. John was a township treasurer for many years and also a charter member of the Hitterdal Lions Club.  He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church, loyally serving in many different capacities.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Julie, of Hitterdal; daughter, Carrie (Chip) Taylor of Pequot Lakes, MN; sons, Cristian (Jenny) Anderson of Hitterdal and Adam (Chelsea) Anderson of Hawley; eight grandchildren: Justin, Will, Alissa, Josie, Sadie, Sophia, Ryley and Soren; sisters, Judy Oistad of Sartell, MN, and Sue (Ken) Beske of Elko, MN; brother, Ed (Collene) Anderson of Ulen, MN; sisters-in-law, Marsha Olson of Mayville, ND, and Melanie Gibson of Middleburg, FL; brother-in-law, John Jahr of Clayton, NC; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Alexis Taylor; nephew Jeremy Beske, and three brothers-in-law: Richie, Joe and Gib.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Salem Lutheran Church in Hitterdal, MN.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12 ^th from 5-7 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm and then continue one hour prior to the funeral all at Salem Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to Salem Lutheran Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or plant a tree in John's memory.