Donald R. Anderson, 79, Minot and formerly of Bismarck, Velva and New Rockford, died on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in a Minot nursing home.

Donald Robert Anderson was born at home on July 10, 1936, in Preston Township of Ransom County near Nome, ND to Theodore and Ellen (Severtson) Anderson. He was raised and educated in the LaMoure area, baptized and confirmed at Zoar Lutheran Church- LaMoure, graduated from LaMoure HS in 1955 and attended Jamestown College.

Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 16, 1958 and served until his Honorable Discharge on April 4, 1961. During his service, he earned a Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed at Ft. MacArthur, CA for a year, and almost 2 years in Baumholder, Germany. Donald remained in the Army Reserves until April, 1964.

Upon returning to ND, he attended Ellendale Teacher's College, earning a degree in Industrial Arts Education. Donald married Judith K. Resler on August 1st, 1965, in Upham ND. They made their home in Ray ND where he was a teacher. He also taught in: St. Helens OR, New Rockford ND, and Sawyer, ND. Throughout his teaching career Donald also coached Jr. High basketball and football.

After retiring from teaching, he was employed as a Welding Inspector during the construction of the Dakota Gasification Plant at Beulah, ND. Finally, Donald worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, US Dept. of the Interior, as a Civil Engineering Technician, for 16 years (eight years each in Harvey ND and Bismarck ND). He retired in 2001.

Donald was a member of the American Legion Lloyd Spetz Post #1 in Bismarck ND where he served as both Post Commander and 5th District Commander. He was a member of the American Legion William G Carroll Post 26 in Minot ND, when he passed away. Donald was a member of the Eagles Aerie in both Minot and Bismarck, ND, and an active member in Lions clubs in both New Rockford and Sawyer ND. He proudly volunteered at the Ruth Meiers Homeless Shelter in Bismarck, and on the Ambulance Crew of the Velva Volunteer Ambulance Service. His other volunteer work included: MedCenter One College of Nursing Library, Bismarck; and Norsk Hostfest Office in Minot. Donald's hobbies included: fishing, wood working, spending time with grandkids, watching golf, football and westerns on TV, listening to music and having a treat from the Dairy Queen.

Donald's loving family includes his wife of 50 years, Judith K. (Resler) Anderson; two children: Jodi (Mike) Melius of Rochester, MN and Brian (Sherri) Anderson of Mandan, ND; grandchildren: Annastasia Wilson, Richlynn Anderson, Rylee and Sophie Melius; siblings: Marlene (Don) Brandenburg of Edgeley ND and Ted (Karen) Anderson of Portland OR, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rodney Anderson and half-sister Arlene Briggs.

Celebration of the Life of Donald Anderson : Tuesday May 17th at 10:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment will be at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, rural Mandan ND on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
Visitation : Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials : In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be sent to American Legion Lloyd Spetz Post 1, PO Box 753, Bismarck ND 58502.