Richard Vernon Anderson

Richard Vernon Anderson, 71 years, went home to his Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior and Wednesday, August 7, 2019. After a valiant battle with cancer, he died at home loved and cared for by his family and loving hospice nurses.

Rick was born in Minneapolis on October 13, 1947 to his loving and honored parents, Vernon L. Anderson and Doris I. Anderson. He spent his childhood in Minneapolis, MN, Bloomington, MN, Salt Lake City, Utah and Wayzata, MN. Rick was honored and proud to serve his country in the United States Army in Vietnam, 1967-1969.

Rick married the love of his life, Jan Gilley, on September 15, 1973. They would have celebrated their 46th anniversary this year. They met while both working at the Blue Goose in Garrison, MN on Mille Lacs Lake. They made their home in Waseca (while Rick attended U of M-Waseca), New Ulm, Minneapolis and Big Lake, MN.  They were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jessica.  Rick was a devoted husband and father, protecting, providing and caring for his family.

His work history before an early retirement due to health issues included – greenhouse grower, store manager, machine operator at Bondhus Corporation and business owner. He and Jan have owned Pumpkin Patch Preschool since 1986.  Rick was behind the scenes support and officer – the official “Pumpkin Head”.

Rick had many loves and passions – his Faith and Family first.  He received God’s gift of salvation as a child and recommitted his life again as an adult.  Leaning on and trusting Jesus – he continued to go deeper in relationship with his Heavenly Father until his Home going.  His many loves included bowling, fishing, golfing (almost daily with his brother Neil for many years), building computers, growing orchids and gardening.  He enjoyed his collection of movies (mostly animated).  He enjoyed his many books – his favorite Christian author was A.W. Tozer.  He had a great love for the Lake Country/Up North calling it “God’s Country” where he enjoyed camping, resorting and fishing.

Rick was a patient, quiet man – gentle and giving.  His great joy was giving his tithe to his church and giving to the local Food Shelf and other ministries.  He had a great laugh, smile, and sense of humor.  He shared his light with favorite employees at Wal*Mart and others in the community on his daily trips to town.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon L. Anderson and Doris I. Anderson, who he honored and loved.  He looked forward to their Heavenly reunion. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jan; his daughter, Jesse; brother, Neil and his wife Phyllis and their family; sister, Bliss and her husband Ron and their family; Jan’s family; many nieces, nephew’s, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Rick’s life will be at 11:00AM on August 28, 2019 at Spirit Life Church, 221 Lake Street North, Big Lake, MN 55309 with visitation beginning at 10:00AM. 

Private Interment at a later date.

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