Richard Anderson

Richard Harvey Anderson, age 79, of Brainerd died Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd.  Memorial service will be at 1PM on Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service on Friday at the funeral home in Baxter.  Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Brainerd.

Richard was born on March 16, 1940 in Brainerd to Walter and Mary Ann (McCarthy) Anderson.  He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1964.  Semper Fi.  Richard earned the rank of Lieutenant Corporal E3, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a motor vehicle truck driver and the General’s personal driver.  Upon his honorable discharge, Richard returned home and married Bonnie Jean Bowman on October 13, 1971 in Alaska.  The couple moved to Alaska, where they made their home for 46 years. He worked for the Alaska State Highway Department and later was self-employed making Trac Machines for hunting in Alaska.  Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, building hot rods in his younger years, and helping anyone that need an extra hand.  He loved being a jokester, letting others know that he was boss, and the laughter of little kids.  Richard will forever be remembered for his passion for Mountain Dew, Peanut M&M’s, and Old-fashioned donuts.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him; especially his friends at Harding House.

Richard is survived by his children, Guy (Tammy) of Merrifield, Beckie Spain of Wasilla, AK; siblings, Barbara (John) Burton of Brainerd, Marvin (Cindy) of Brainerd, Darlene (Danny) DeChaine of Blaine, Beverly Palmer of Brainerd; grandchildren, Regina (Matt) Neuman, Jannessa (Tyler) Cardinal, Melissa Anderson, Mathew Anderson, Jesse (Kya) Whirley, Dylan (Tanya) Whirley, Zach Birge; six great grandchildren and Richard greatly anticipated a new addition in August.  Richard is also survived by two special friends; Bob Balko, and Jerry Callahan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; and sister, Lois Arms.