Pastor Anderson

Pastor Mark L. Anderson, 65, of Brainerd, died at his home Monday, September 05, 2011. Funeral Services for Pastor Mark will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, MN. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Mark Lynn Anderson was born in Thief River Falls, MN on September 3, 1946 to Harvey & Ester Anderson. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1964, he went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated in 1968. While there, he was lucky enough to find the love of his life, Maureen. They were married on August 24, 1968. He graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1972 and began his 39 years of ministry serving Trinity Lutheran in Gresham, OR, Beaver Valley Lutheran Church, near Brandon, SD, First Lutheran Church, in Brainerd, MN and Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, MN. His passion for preaching the Gospel was evident to all.

He loved all sports, especially basketball. He was one of those guys who was good at everything he tried. He loved playing games of any kind, not because he would win (and he would) but because he loved competition and interacting with people. Mark was a fun-loving father who rarely missed a game, match, meet, concert or performance of his three kids. He loved his kids enough to encourage them to go out and experience the world on their own. Mark touched the people he met with his wide grin, infectious laugh, words of wisdom and loving heart.

Grateful for having shared his life are son, Christopher (Kelle) and grandchildren Betsy, Mitchell and Nathaniel; daughter, Caryn, and granddaughter Rylie; son, Chad; sister, Mary (Jim) Kunelius; sister-in-law Mary (Chet) Fowler; three nieces, two nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Ester & Harvey Anderson and wife, Maureen.