Kenneth Anderson

Kenneth Wayne Anderson was born November 24, 1929 to Arthur and LuLu (Berger) Anderson in Tyler, Minnesota. Ken was baptized and confirmed at the English Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. Ken was grateful to have served his country and entered the United States Army in 1955. He was stationed at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Riley, Kansas and honorably discharged in 1956. He then returned to Lake Benton where he farmed with his father. Ken was united in marriage to Ethel Park on February 23, 1959 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Ken and Ethel were blessed with three children and 58 years of marriage together. Ken continued his education taking courses in welding, home improvements, and mechanics. The couple farmed and raised their family in Lake Benton. In 1984, Ken began farming with Randy and Lisa Sixta and retired in 2014 when they moved into Lake Benton. On October 5, 2017, Ken entered the care of the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and later was transferred to Sanford Hospital. He died there on Monday, October 23, 2017 at the age of 87 years.

Ken was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. He was active in the life of the congregation serving as usher, deacon, treasurer, and enjoyed the men’s club and bible class. Ken enjoyed reading, fishing, military history, playing cards, dominoes, and especially enjoyed the time spent with his family, watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. Ken was a hero to someone, somewhere who received the gracious gift of life through the donation of blood. He was awarded for the milestone of 15 gallons donated. Faith in Jesus Christ was very important in Ken’s life and he will be lovingly remembered as a Christian first, a wonderful husband, and a loving father.

Ken is survived by his wife, Ethel of Lake Benton, Minnesota; three children, Wayne (and Cathy) Anderson of Collinsville, Illinois, Judith (and Victor) Domke of Weberville, Michigan, and Keith Anderson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; our special family, Randy (and Lisa) Sixta of Lake Benton, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Patrick (and Rachel) Anderson, Christa Anderson, Hannah Domke, Leah Domke, Seth Domke, Jennifer (and Shaun) Castle, Kim (and Chris) Wooge, and Ashley (and Dustin) King; five great-grandchildren, Rayleigh Castle, Addison Castle, Madelyn Castle, Maverick King, and Kayden Wooge; and a sister, Jo Ann Cassidy of Watertown, Minnesota. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and LuLu; and a sister, Jean Kruse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Great Plains High School, Watertown, South Dakota, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Michigan, or charity of donor choice.

Blessed and eternal be his memory.