Norman D. Anderson

Norman D. Anderson, age 95, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, March 20^th, at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26^th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Norman Dale Anderson was born January 31^st, 1928 in Bagley, Minnesota to parents Martin and Laura (Strand) Anderson.  He attended District 9 Country School in rural Bagley and Bagley High School.  In 1944 his family moved to rural Fosston, Minnesota where Norman attended and graduated from Fosston High School in 1945.  Following graduation, Norman attended Moorhead Technical School for mechanics and later joined his family following a move to Silverton, Oregon, later returning to Fosston. Norman enlisted in the United States Army in February 1951.  He faithfully served his country, helping with the construction of the Thule Air Base in Greenland.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1953 Norman returned to Fosston where he and his brothers Robert and Warren established Anderson Brothers Construction.  Together the three brothers and their dedicated crew constructed roads, airfields, and other projects throughout Northern Minnesota.

Norman was united in marriage to Ruth Elaine Olson on July 12^th, 1958 in Bemidji, Minnesota.  The couple resided and built their home in Fosston. Norman retired in 1986.  Norman and Ruth enjoyed traveling making trips to Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and other locations.   He also  visited all 50 U.S. States and most Canadian Provinces.  Many winter months were spent at their siblings’ homes in Arizona and countless summer weeks fishing at the family owned cabin in Ontario.  Norman was an avid pilot, fisherman, hunter, and gardener.  He, his brothers, and numerous friends enjoyed multiple fishing and hunting adventures throughout Minnesota and Canada. 

Although retired, Norman continued to help other contractors at various times working on numerous projects.  He also served on the Fosston City Council for 25 years, the Fosston Airport Commission for 45 years and the First Care Medical Services Board of Directors for many years.  In 2016 the City of Fosston honored Norman and his brothers for their years of commitment to aviation by renaming the Fosston Municipal Airport to “Anderson Field”.  Norman loved his family and worked tirelessly on various projects for them throughout the years.

Norman was a charter member of the Fosston-Lengby Lions Club, a member of the American Legion, and Kingo Lutheran Church.  He was always a strong advocate for the City of Fosston.

Norman passed away peacefully at Essentia Health Living Center on Monday, March 20^th, 2023 at the age of 95 years.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ruth of Fosston; two children, Dean (Betsy) Anderson of Fosston and David (Anneliese) Anderson of Newnan, Georgia; three grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Mitchell, Zachary Anderson and Ana Anderson; two great grandchildren, McGuire and Grady Mitchell; sisters-in-law, Aldora and Mavis Anderson of Fosston; brother-in-law, Dwain Merickel of Elysian, Minnesota; Cousin Herman Anderson of Bagley; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale; sister Mae and her husband Harold, brothers Robert and Warren; father-in-law Delbert Olson and mother-in-law Minnie Olson; as well as many other family members.

Blessed be his memory