Desmo E. Anderson

Desmo E. Anderson, age 94, died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Rosewood Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. Desmo was born on December 16, 1917, to Gust and Annie Anderson in Baudette, MN. He was the youngest of twelve children. His father died when Desmo was just 11 months old and his mother moved the family to West Fargo, where she worked as a midwife to support the family. He attended school in West Fargo until his mother died when he as fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 4th Cavalry at Fort Meade, SD. Desmo married Dorothy R. Swan, on November 14, 1942. They were to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this year. In 1943, during WWII, he was deployed to France, where he was wounded one day after D-day. As a result of his injuries, he lost a leg and was awarded the Purple Heart. Desmo was a patriot and a hero, and earned many awards for his bravery. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Disabled American Veterans. Desmo owned and operated various businesses in Fargo. In the late 1950's, he established Northern Novelty Company and made campaign buttons, ribbons, and awards. After selling the company, he started BIX franchised business which stripped the finish from furniture for customers to refinish. The business grew and he expanded to refinishing furniture and selling antiques. He often traveled to the East Coast to scout out antiques and bring them back to his shop in Fargo. He later opened an antique store in Moorhead. Desmo had many hobbies. He was an avid fisherman and particularly enjoyed fishing for Walleyes in Lake of the Woods near where he was born. He loved hunting – everything from waterfowl to moose and bear. He enjoyed gardening, wood working, making fishing flies, sewing quilts, cooking, and baking. His chocolate chip cookies were THE BEST! He was always interested in trying new things. He went to auctioneering school, and held auctions and estate sales for several years. He enjoyed relaxing with a deck of cards and a cribbage board when he had the chance. Desmo is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Audrey Pete Otte of Bismarck, ND, and Patricia Hovde of Fargo, ND; four grandchildren, Sara Clark Otte-Coleman, Bismarck, ND, Joe Christine Otte, Woodbury, MN, Jenny Greg Otte-Tschider, Piedmont, CA; and Cody Hovde, Audubon, MN; eight great-grandchildren, Alexis Aafedt, Chloe, Cooper and Clint Coleman, Lauren and Lindsay Otte, Sadie and Lulu Tschider, and Wyatt and Halle Hovde; and several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; seven brothers; and one grandson, Brett Hovde.