Willford A. Anderson was born March 3, 1914, in Langhei Township, Pope County, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Ella (Lee) Anderson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Lake Hazel Lutheran Church. He grew up in Langhei Township, and attended school at District #62 through the eighth grade. Willford served his country in the United States Army during World War II. On June 15, 1948, Willford was united in marriage to Irene Kelly at the Benson parsonage. This union was blessed with two daughters and one son. Irene passed away in November of 1975. On August 20, 1983, Willford married Irene Smith-Dawson in Montevideo. Irene passed away in May of 2003. Willford was presently living at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. Willford farmed his entire life. He also did mechanical work. Among the things he enjoyed were dancing, hunting, playing cards, woodworking, helping his neighbors and just keeping active. Willford was called from this life on Monday, January 31, 2011 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. He attained the age of 96 years, 10 months and 28 days. Willford is survived by his daughters: Audrey (Wayne) Carlson of Apple Valley and Doreen Wennerberg of Kerkhoven; step-children: Beverly Leaf of Benson, Gilbert Dawson of Danvers, Elkin "Butch" (Judy) Dawson of Paris, TN, Gale (Laurie) Dawson of Mora, and Wesley (Pam) Dawson of Champlin; four grandchildren: Sarah Westvig, Paul Wennerberg, Kelly Wennerberg, and Travis Wennerberg; two great-grandchildren: Madalyn and Annika Westvig; and his step-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Irene Kelly and his second wife, Irene Smith-Dawson; his parents, Theodore and Ella; a son, Roger Anderson; two brothers: Raymond and Luverne Anderson; and a step-daughter, Jean Reigstad.
