Richard Anderson

Richard “The Pumper” Anderson, age 74, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Rev. Denise Fossen will officiate the service and interment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, MN.

Richard Galen Anderson was born on May 8, 1948, in Graceville, MN, to Arnold and Mary (Dwyer) Anderson. He grew up in the Graceville area and attended school there.

Always a hard worker and working in construction, Richard worked for Job Corps for a couple of years then went to work for Paulson Brothers. He also worked at the power plant in Big Stone City, SD, then moved to western South Dakota and worked at the cement plant in Rapid City. Richard returned to Minnesota and worked at Saputo Cheese until he retired.

Richard’s smile and personality would light up any room he walked into. He enjoyed playing on both pool and dart leagues. He could spend hours playing cards, especially Cribbage, with family and friends. Richard cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, he really loved watching them play sports.

Surviving Richard are his children: Ricky (Jennifer) Anderson of Ortonville, MN; Jeff (Bridget) Anderson of Milbank, SD; and Billie (Nicholas) Wendell of Linden, MI; seven grandchildren: Kirstin Andersen, Cameron Anderson, Riley Anderson, Brock Anderson, Zackary Anderson, Matthew Wendell, and Lucas Wendell; siblings: Diane Laub of Ortonville, MN; Melody (David) Steffes of Waite Park, MN; Darrel “Pug” (Doris) Anderson of Glenwood, MN; Douglas Anderson of Ortonville, MN; and Billy (Deb) McDonnell of Elizabethtown, KY; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; son, Scott; brother, Joe; and sisters: Barb, Patsy, Arlene, Karen, Connie, and Linda.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ortonville Area Health Services for their kindness and helpful services given during this difficult time.