James Andersen

James Andersen, age 82, of Milbank died on September 20, 2019, at St. William’s Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank.  Father Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass.  Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, from 5 – 7 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the Mass.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Stockholm, SD.

Casket bearers will be: Derek Zenk, Daniel Zenk, Lars Andersen, Matthew Trevett, Fred Zenk, and Bruce Granquist.  Honorary bearers will be: Judy Zenk, Millie Pederson, Kevin Pederson, and Deb Pederson.

James LeRoy Andersen was born on June 18, 1937, in Milbank, South Dakota.  He was the son of Christian E. Andersen and Alice Rehn Andersen.  Jim grew up in the rural Stockholm area.  He received his education at Madison #3 and graduated from Milbank High School with the Class of 1955.

Jim enlisted with the United States Air Force.  He served four years.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to South Dakota.  He began his career of farming on the family farm near Stockholm.  He was united in marriage with Mary Margaret Zenk on November 6, 1965, in Webster, SD.

Jim farmed with his father and then farmed alone until his retirement.  He later worked at the filling station in Stockholm for a few years.  He worked many years at Hardware Hank in Milbank. He always had a welcoming smile and was known as the “fix it” guy.  Jim loved to hunt, especially ducks and geese.  He and Mary enjoyed many hours fishing together. He enjoyed teaching his grandson, Nick, to trap.  Jim enjoyed being outdoors and was so very proud of his farm.  He loved his family, and took wonderful care of his wife, Mary, during her failing years.  He was a faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters: Deb and husband Paul Trevett of Milbank, SD; and Julie Andersen of Fargo, ND; five grandchildren: Kirsten Andersen, Tiffany Morrissette, James Morrissette, Sunny Morrissette, and Nicholas Trevett; four great-grandchildren: Noah, Leighla, Logan, and Adaline.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife.