Donald Anderson

Donald Anderson, age 72, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, with Pastor Michael Hanson officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at a later date in Appleton, MN.

Donald Eugene Anderson was born May 10, 1951, in Graceville, MN, to Dennis and Norma (Waller) Anderson. Don spent much of his teenage years with his aunt and uncle, Ray and Carrie (Roggeman) Waller, living with them and the Roggeman children in Ortonville, MN.  Ray and Carrie treated him like their own.

In 1969, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, spending time in California and North Carolina. After his time in the Marines, he returned home to Ortonville. Shortly after his return, he was united in marriage to Mary Skillman on June 13, 1970, in Milbank, SD.  To this union, four children were born: Mark, Carissa, Bryan, and Craig.

Don worked hard to support his family and through the years he worked various jobs. He was proud to say he was part of the roofing crew when the Big Stone Power Plant was built. Other places of employment include, Frigo Cheese Factory, Morris Rod-Weeder until they went out of business, and he retired from Dakota Granite after close to 30 years of employment. In retirement, he worked part time at Hartman’s grocery store.

In his earlier years, Don enjoyed playing in the Big Stone fast-pitch softball league and tinkering with demolition cars while participating in demo derbies. He was quite handy at in-home remodeling and repairs, fixing and building just about anything. He enjoyed spending time with family, listening to 60’s & 70’s rock n roll, gardening, hunting, and fishing.

Don passed away peacefully at his home on January 6, 2024, surrounded by family.  He was 72 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anderson of Ortonville; three children: Mark (Amber) Anderson of Morris; Carissa (David) Kampen of Ortonville; and Bryan (Jamie) Anderson of Ortonville; six grandchildren: Jessy Kampen, Erica Kampen, Jake Anderson, Malory Anderson, Emma Anderson and Dillon Anderson; niece, Dawn (Butch) Randall; siblings: Robin Hoss and Mary Kay Anderson; sister-in-law, Janice Skillman; brothers-in-law: Richard Breum and John Long; many nieces and nephews; and the extended Roggeman family.

A special thank you to niece, Jenni Breum and Skillman nephews for support while Don was hospitalized in Sioux Falls and the great care he received from his hospice caregivers.

He was preceded in death by infant son, Craig Anderson; uncle and aunt, Ray and Carrie Waller; his parents; grandparents, Joe and Ina Waller; parents-in-law, Walter and Lydia Skillman; siblings: Martha and Ricky; brother-in-law, Martin Skillman; and sisters-in-law, Kathy Breum and Florence Long.