GARY ANDERSON

Gary Douglas Anderson died peacefully on September 14, 2023, at his home in Wahkon, surrounded by his family and loved ones, after a short battle with lymphoma. He was 75 years old.

Gary was born on November 13, 1947 at the hospital in Princeton, MN to Leon and Pearl (Schweigert) Anderson.  He was raised on a dairy farm just south of Wahkon, spending all but four years of his life living and working there. He was baptized on January 3, 1948, and confirmed on May 27, 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church in Isle, MN. 

Gary attended Wahkon and Isle schools and graduated from Isle High School in 1965. From 1965-70 Gary partnered in his parents’ dairy operation while working at the Isle Co-Op. In 1970-72 he attended Anoka Tech and learned the trade of tool and die. He worked for Mate Punch and Die from 1971-75.

On June 2, 1972, he married Cheryl Kay Roeschlein, at Trinity Lutheran, Isle, MN and they made their first home in Anoka, MN. They later moved to Elk River, MN, where Cory was born in March of 1975. In September of 1975, Gary, Cheryl, and Cory, moved back to the home farm in Wahkon. They purchased the dairy operation from Gary’s parents. In September of 1976, Ryan was born. In 2002, they sold the dairy cows and switched to crop farming. In the following years, Gary also worked as a night custodian for Isle Schools. In 2008, Cory joined Gary in the operation of the farm. In 2019, Gary retired from farming and Cory took over full time. The family farm continues to be their home to this day. 

One of Gary’s favorite activities was to take Cheryl dancing with their close circle of friends. He also enjoyed collecting and showing antique John Deere tractors. His favorite show was the White Pine Logging & Threshing Show, where he attended every Labor Day weekend for over 30 years, and also the Pioneer Days at This Old Farm in Brainerd. He made many lifelong friends while camping at both events.

Gary looked forward to helping in the fields each year at spring planting and fall harvest. He also cherished spending time with his grandchildren.  Gary valued the members of his church family at Trinity, his White Pine family, life-long neighbors, and his many friends. His beautiful smile, friendly nature, and unmistakable laugh will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane (Wally) Nelson, “Big Brother” Uncle Robert Gorr, and his in-laws Walt and Edna Roeschlein. 

He is survived by his wife Cheryl; sons, Cory of Wahkon, and Ryan (Amy) of Princeton; grandchildren, Graham, Peyton, Henry, Finnegan, and Hadley; as well as his niece Julie (Greg) Fackler of Isanti; nephews, Jeff (Karen) Nelson of Onamia and Andy Nelson (Kay King) of South St. Paul, and their families. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Isle with Pastor Mark Maunula officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Isle and again 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.

A Prayer Service will be held at 6:45 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the close of visitation.

Inurnment will be in the Sunset Cemetery in Isle.

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