Richard "Dick" Kenneth Anderson

Richard Kenneth Anderson, born Dec 22, 1944, left his earthly body behind on August 7, 2025, after giving it his all, with congestive heart failure. His final hours were spent at Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage. Better known as Dick, we all laughed with this man. Whether it be sarcastically or in jest, he had the gift of laughter with him always. To know Dick was to have laughed with him. His fun-loving, generous nature was welcoming to all the nieces and nephews to whom he was their Favorite Uncle Dick. He was present for his Celebrations of Life which were held April 26th and May 10th. Any Memorials can be made in Dick’s name to his favorite places: the Pearson Lakes Art Center and the Kiwanis Club of Milford. The Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Born to Kenneth and Elsie Anderson (Swanson), Dick grew up on a farm west of Sherburn, MN with 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Upon high school graduation, Dick went on to St. Cloud State, was a surveyor for the building of I-90 and was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he discovered skiing and his career path, electricity. Upon his honorable discharge, he found his way back to Minnesota where he met Judy, his soon-to-be wife of 55 years. On Dec 27, 1969, Dick and Judy were married in spite of a good ‘ole Midwestern blizzard where wind and snow drifts were the uninvited guests. For the few guests that were able to attend, those stories have been exchanged for years. While living in Savage, MN, Dick and Judy welcomed their first-born daughter, Allison. 2 years later, Dick accepted a lineman position in Milford which moved them closer to their families in southern Minnesota and introduced them to their beloved Okoboji. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative became his career for the next 36 years. Up until the end, many of these coworkers were some of his oldest friends. In 1973, Dick and Judy helped build their first home from the ground up. Upon completion of the home, Lindsey joined the family. In the years that followed, they designed and landscaped the 1.7-acre plot, transforming it into an oasis of greenery and gardens for the girls to grow up in and eat fresh vegetables. From a 14-foot tall, father and friend-built custom swing set and monkey bars, to a life-sized teepee where the campfires burned for many. Dick used his ingenuity to make designs for both work and home. Dick and Judy not only were busy at the Homefront, but they were also very active in their lives outside the home. Enjoy the alphabetized list that they lived: Anything involving his grandkids, Anders and Basil Biking & RAGBRAI adventures Camping, Coaching little league softball, Cross-country skiing Down-Hill tubing Eating Fishing, Frisbee and Family, Family and Family Grilling, Golf and more golf and years of better golf Hugging Impatience (waiting for 3 girls to get ready) Joking Kiwanis Club of Milford Laughing Mowing and music No gravel roads On-call for ILEC Power Outages Playing cards and Poker Quality husband, father, brother, cousin and Grampy Receiving massages Skiing, Singing, Softball Tent Master at the Milford Kiwanis, Travel Uncle Volleyball Wallyball XXOO Yardwork Zoos (Lemurs and talking to the Kookaburra) Dick and Judy were able to travel the world as well. Several trips to Europe with Spain, Switzerland and Portugal being his favorites. New Zealand was a highlight in 1999. They also traveled through the United States. They chose Gulf Shores, Alabama as their favorite winter destination in 2011. They were Martinique snowbirds on the dunes of Fort Morgan Road. Along with the friendships created over the 13-year stretch, rounds of golf were played, oysters were shucked, and shrimp were peeled. Dad loved to sit on a pail oceanside to fish, while listening to and watching the ocean waves. These were peaceful years. Dick Anderson is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Elsie Anderson, his younger brother Kevin, his mother and father-in-law Arnold and Irene Daleske, his brother-in-laws, Donald and Duane. He is survived by his wife Judy Mae, his daughters Allison and Lindsey (John), his grandsons, Anders and Basil Rosendahl, his sister Barb (John) and her kids, his brother Kent (Susie) and their kids, his sister Mary (Norm) and their kids, his sister-in-law Dona and her kids, and his sister-in-law Shirley (Merle) and their kids.

Richard "Dick" Kenneth Anderson

December 22, 1944 - August 7, 2025