RICHARD LANCE ANDERSON

RICHARD LANCE ANDERSON

Richard Lance Anderson, 85, left this earth to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven on January 19, 2023.

Richard (Dick) was born on December 5, 1937 to Lawrence and Minnie (Olson) Anderson in Grand Forks, ND.  As a young child Richard was active on his father’s farm where he developed a work ethic second to none.  He attended elementary school in Cummings, North Dakota and later attended high school in Crookston at the Northwest School of Agriculture.  Following high school, he attended Mayville State University and served his country in the Army Reserve prior to assuming operations of the family farm.

On December 29, 1962, Richard married the love his life Shirley (Hanson) Anderson.  They were married for fifty-eight wonderful years. They were always by each other’s side and were true soulmates.

Farming was his life and he farmed full-time through 1999.  Even after retiring from farming, Richard kept active hauling sugar beets during harvest well into his eighties. He enjoyed many wonderful trips with his beloved wife, Shirley spending time in Arizona, Florida, and Texas.  These travels were special times and included visiting with friends and family.

Richard had multiple businesses such as Valley Ford and Valley Vac, a grain handling equipment business.  He could engineer, build, or fix anything made from steel.  He was known for these gifts throughout the Red River Valley.

He took great pride in his work and could never sit still.  When the toils of aging caused issues in getting around, he continued to problem solve.   He was an incredibly determined man and would accomplish anything he set his mind upon. This included passing a written and behind the wheel driver’s tests in 2022.

Richard was also known for his wit and charm.  He always had a story to tell. He was also known for his infectious laughter and grin which was sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Richard and Shirley lovingly raised their two children, Kim and Kent. He was incredibly proud of his children and four grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Kim (Bruce) Jacobson; son, Kent (Audra) Anderson; brother-in-law Al Hanson; sister-in-law Clarene (Merv) Larson; sister-in-law Lorraine Anderson; grandchildren Morgan Jacobson, Isaac Anderson, Kate Anderson, and Alexa Jacobson, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Minnie Anderson; his wife Shirley; brothers, Lawrence (Vernon) Anderson and Reverend Curtis Anderson;  sisters-in-law, Arlene Anderson, ViAnn Hanson, and Gloriann Hanson.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thank you to the team of doctors, nurses, chaplains/pastors, and caregivers that helped provide exceptional care and kindness to Richard. 

Blessed be the memory of Richard Lance Anderson.

A prayer service will be held at Baker Funeral Home in Mayville, North Dakota on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, with visitation from 5:30 – 6:30 PM followed by a prayer service. Funeral will be at Riverside Evangelical Free Church in Mayville, North Dakota on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 11 AM. Interment will be at a later date at Carlson Cemetery, Cummings, North Dakota.