Gordon L. Anderson

Gordon Leroy Anderson passed away on February 7, 2008 at home. He was born on February 15, 1927 in Wahpeton, ND, to Phillip and Thora Folstad Anderson. He grew up and attended school in Colfax, ND, and was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Colfax. Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy on April 6, 1945, serving aboard the U.S.S. Tulagi in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged on August 27, 1946.Gordon worked for Armour and Co., Bert Hemm Construction, and Swift & Company. In 1980 he retired from Swift after 29 years as Sales/Assistant Manager. He also worked in sales for Quality Meats for ten years and retired a second time in 1990.He coached Babe Ruth baseball in Moorhead and volunteered for the Clay County American Cancer Society Road to Recovery. For over 52 years he was a member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, was Treasurer of the Sunday School, was active with the Youth and Family programs, and served on church boards and committees. He donated almost 16 gallons of blood over the years through United Blood Services. He was a lifetime member of the Escort Aircraft Carrier Sailors & Airmen Association and a member of the Fargo American Legion.Gordon married Carol Marie Erickson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Colfax, ND, on September 13, 1952. They lived in Fargo and Moorhead and enjoyed winters in Mesa, AZ, after retirement.He is survived by his wife and five children, Terrence L. of Pelican Rapids, Valarie J. Mark Rinehardt of Denison, IA, Victoria L. Anderson LaDonne Vik and Tamara D. Anderson Kevin Solwold, all of Moorhead, and Carter S. Stacy of Show Low, AZ; 12 grandchildren, Tayt Rinehardt of Fargo, ND, Brant and Troy Rinehardt of Minnetonka, MN, Bernardo Anderson of Fargo, ND, Marcelo Anderson of Pelican Rapids, Taylor Vik of Minneapolis, MN, Tennley Vik Eric Astrup of Athens, OH, Tanner Solwold of Moorhead, MN, PFC Brock Solwold, currently serving in Iraq, Blake, Conner and Mattea Anderson of Show Low, AZ; two sisters, Phayme Hendrickson of Colfax, ND and Olive Peterson of Peshigo, WI; and one brother, Pete Ihla of Coon Rapids, MN.He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Thora, brother, Purdon, sister, Betty Zentgraf, and grandson, Andrew.The family wishes to thank Fellowship Care, The Doves, Pontoppidan Church, Dr. Schlecht, Hospice of the Red River Valley, family and friends for all their visits, special care and love. It is truly appreciated.