Arnold P. Anderson was born September 26, 1923 in Camp Lake Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Cora (Anderson) Anderson. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed into the Christian faith on November 7, 1937 by Rev. Beito at St. Pauli Lutheran Church near Swift Falls. Arnold grew up near Swift Falls and attended school at District #13. At sixteen years of age, he moved to St. Paul and worked for Swift & Company. He also helped the neighbors with their farming. On September 14, 1949, Arnold was united in marriage to Ruth Genvieve Lagred at the Swift Falls parsonage by Rev. Beito. They were blessed with six children and 62 years of marriage. Arnold worked in carpentry, masonry, and welding for Anderson Ready Mix and Lorenz Manufacturing. Among the things he enjoyed were spearing, fishing, and hunting pheasants and deer. Arnold was called from this life on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar, Minnesota. He attained the age of 87 years, 10 months and 28 days. Arnold is survived by his wife Ruth of Willmar; his children: Ray (Marge) Anderson of Murdock, Diane Anderson of Park Rapids, Paul (Julie) Anderson of New London, Tom (Susan) Anderson of Willmar, Marianne Anderson-Balk of Alexandria, and Annette (Bryan) Gades of Slayton; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; siblings: Eleanor (Palmer) Pederson of Benson, Ernest (Judy) Anderson of Glenwood, Corvin (Beverly) Anderson of Blaine, and Rosella Anderson of Plymouth; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Anderson of Buffalo and Carole Anderson of Benson; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Riley, Leo and Joseph Anderson; sister, Clarice Aasgaard; grandson Gabriel Peterson; and son-in-law, Mark Balk.
