Archie Anderson, 90

Archie Anderson, age 90 of rural Stanton, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Cannon Falls Medical Center in Cannon Falls. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Thursday, December 22nd at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with burial at the Valley Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7:30 pm at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and at the Church on Thursday 1 hour prior to Services.

Archie Nello Anderson, the son of Albert and Ida (Lindgron) Anderson was born on February 16, 1921 at home in rural Ortonville, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at the Eidskog Lutheran Church in Ortonville. After graduating from high school, Archie worked on a farm. When WW II broke out, he enlisted in the Army and completed training at the Army Signal Corps School in Mankato as a telephone operator. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Margaret Veslehahl. On August 10, 1943, they were united in marriage. Shortly after that, in February 1944 he was sent overseas where he traveled with the 12th Army group managing other operators and making assignments for them. After nearly two years, Archie arrived back in the U.S. on December 7, 1945 and was discharged with the rank of Tech Sergeant.

Following his discharge, Archie and Margaret moved to Ortonville where they farmed and started their family. In the fall of 1951 they moved to near Stanton where they continued to farm. Here two more children were born. Archie continued to farm with his son, Mark helping even into his early 80’s. His health declined following a 4-wheeler accident and then a mild stroke. Most recently he was hospitalized at the Cannon Falls Medical Center.

Archie attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield and served on a church board in his younger years. He was also active in is children’s education, serving on the Randolph School Board for fifteen years.

Archie loved his family and the Lord. He was a dedicated husband and father, demonstrating that devotion especially to Margaret after her disabling stroke in 1998. In spite of her being quite handicapped, he brought her home from the Northfield Dilley Nursing Unit where she lived for two years. She lived at home on the farm for six years under his loving care. Archie always enjoyed children. He loved them sitting on his lap and there was no baby too small for him to want to hold. He took special delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Great Papa on the Farm”.

Archie Anderson is survived by daughters Kathy (Gary) Zimmerman of Olathe, KS, Carol (Tom) Lorntson of Ames, IA, Deb Anderson of Kerkhoven; son Mark Anderson of Stanton; sister-in-law Ethel Anderson of Ortonville; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters; Myrtle, Arlys and Verna, brother; Gordon, and two great-grandbaby boys; Elijah and Zion.

Memorials to St. John’s Radio Fund or donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.