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Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson

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Birth	:	2 Nov 1919 Loup County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	16 Jun 2012 Bassett, Rock County, Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Olive Branch Cemetery, Mills, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate	:	42.9407997, -99.4638977
Description	:	Don Anderson, age 92, a longtime rancher at Mills, NE, recently of Ainsworth, NE, departed this life on Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Bassett, NE. Donald Lawrence Anderson was born Nov 2nd, 1919 at home on a ranch southeast of Taylor, NE. He was the fourth child of Oscar "O.W." and Ruth (Cole) Anderson's six children. His early education was at District #7, a country school, in Loup County, NE. Following his graduation from Taylor High School with the class of 1939, he ranched with his father until enlisting in the United States Army in March 1942 to serve his... Read More	Don Anderson, age 92, a longtime rancher at Mills, NE, recently of Ainsworth, NE, departed this life on Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Bassett, NE. Donald Lawrence Anderson was born Nov 2nd, 1919 at home on a ranch southeast of Taylor, NE. He was the fourth child of Oscar "O.W." and Ruth (Cole) Anderson's six children. His early education was at District #7, a country school, in Loup County, NE. Following his graduation from Taylor High School with the class of 1939, he ranched with his father until enlisting in the United States Army in March 1942 to serve his country during WWII. He was stationed in California, Tennessee and New York before his unit was shipped overseas to join forces in the European Theater. Don was assigned to the 5th Armored Division, also known as the "Victory Division". He was the half-track driver in a reconnaissance unit which often placed them many miles ahead of rest of the division where they would encounter the enemy first. They landed on Utah Beach and fought throughout France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Don was awarded the Bronze star, five Combat stars and the WWII Victory Medal upon his honorable discharge in 1945. While stationed at Camp Cook in Lompoc, California, on February 11, 1943, he was united in marriage to Esther Dressen from Sargeant, NE. She then traveled to be with him at various bases in the U.S. until his departure overseas, which took place on their first anniversary. They were re-united in 1945 upon his safe return from the war. The couple then began ranching with his father, near Almeria, NE, and raising their family together. In April 1955, they moved with their four sons, to the farm and ranch they purchased at Mills, NE. Don was an excellent cattleman, not only with his own herd of Herefords, but was often called upon by other area ranchers with ailing livestock. He saved many calls to the vet with his understanding of cattle. In addition to ranching, Don operated a custom spraying, windrowing and combining service throughout the community. He was also one of the largest alfalfa seed outlets in the region to the seed companies in the retail market. In 1985, they retired and sold the ranch to his son, Joe and his wife, Lennie. It was then that they bought a camper and began many happy years traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada, visiting family and friends, until 2003 when Esther's health began to fail. Don lovingly cared for her in their home until she entered the Health Care Center in 2007. He remained on the ranch, though often driving to Norfolk, NE, Colorado and Minnesota to visit his children and grandchildren until just last year. In his retirement, Don also greatly enjoyed the saw sharpening business he operated for over twenty years. In the summer of 2010, he made the decision to move to Ainsworth, where he bought a home and moved in October of that year. He greatly enjoyed living near two of his sisters and other family there. Just 3 weeks ago, due to declining health, Don decided to enter the Bassett Long Term Care Center to spend his final days near Esther. Don attended Mills Community Church for many years and had most recently been attending the United Church of Christ in Ainsworth. He was a member of Naper VFW Post # 3256 and Springview American Legion Post # 98. Over the years he could be counted on to "be there" for his community through serving on area boards or helping a neighbor in need. His family and friends will remember his love puzzles and card games, especially Rummy and Cribbage. He was a devoted husband to Esther, his wife of over 69 years, and a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather and recently a great-great grandfather. He dearly loved his family. In earlier years this was evident by providing for them with his hard work ethic, although once a year, no matter how much work there was to do, everything stopped to attend the Anderson family picnic! Surviving is his wife, Esther of Bassett, NE; four sons, Gayal (Judy) of Norfolk, NE, Joe of Mills, NE, Randy (Sue) of Colorado Springs, CO and Tim (Denise) of Twin Valley, MN; 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; one great -great grandchild; 3 sisters: Gyla Bowden of Lincoln, NE, Bea Cooper of Ainsworth, NE and Lois (Nick) Decker of Grand Island, NE; and one sister-in-law, Virginia Anderson of Lincoln, NE; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding him were his parents; granddaughter, Jennifer Anderson; daughter-in-law, Lennie Anderson; brother, Lyle; sister, Agnes Emerson; and three brothers-in-law: Charlie Bowden, John Emerson and Dale Cooper. Funeral services were held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the Mills Community Church, Mills, NE. Officiating was Pastor Kenley Udd with special music provided by the Swanson family. Serving as casket bearers were his grandchildren, Anthony Anderson, Jamie Wichman, Russ Anderson, Lynette Hinze, Becky McGee, Jon Anderson, Wendy Bennefeld, Kelly Woltjer and Terri Pazdernik. Honorary bearers were nephews, Duane Emerson, Art Emerson, Dick Bowden, Ed Bowden, Norman Anderson, Greg Bruce, Lee Daily, and David Geohring. Military honors were provided by Naper VFW Post # 3256 and Springview American Legion Post # 98. Interment was at the Olive Branch Cemetery, Mills, NE. May God Bless the Memory of Donald L. Anderson

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson's memorial?
Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson's memorial is located at: Olive Branch Cemetery, Mills, Keya Paha County, USA.
When did Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson death?
Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson death on 16 Jun 2012 in Bassett, Rock County, Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Donald Lawrence “Don” Anderson's memorial?
Latitude: 42.9407997
Longitude: -99.4638977

Family Members:

Parent

Oscar W. Anderson

(1890 - 1978)

Ruth A. Cole Anderson

(1894 - 1979)

Spouse

Esther Janette Dreessen Anderson

(1921 - 2014)

Siblings

Gyla Maude Anderson Bowden

(1916 - 2012)

Lyle Wesley Anderson

(1917 - 2007)

Agnes L. Anderson Emerson

(1918 - 2011)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Olive Branch Cemetery
Mills, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9407997, -99.4638977

2. Wolf Creek Cemetery
Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9516330, -99.3801570

3. Burton Cemetery
Burton, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9118996, -99.5839005

4. Spotted Tail Cemetery
Jamison, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9799995, -99.3324966

5. Evergreen Cemetery
Mills, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8197000, -99.4737000

6. Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
Jamison, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9977989, -99.3139038

7. Jordan Valley Cemetery
Burton, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9547005, -99.6466980

8. Peace Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0816994, -99.3946991

9. Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery
Paxton, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0823490, -99.5336010

10. Simpson Cemetery
Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8107986, -99.3352966

11. Evangelical Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1401970, -99.5147400

12. Oak Dale Cemetery
Naper, Boyd County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8847008, -99.1939011

13. Gibson Cemetery
Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0642014, -99.6908035

14. Rock Valley Cemetery
Wewela, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0641300, -99.6918100

15. West Enterprise Cemetery
Burton, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9785995, -99.7478027

16. Highland Cemetery
Springview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7811012, -99.6650009

17. James Price Brown Cemetery
Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7246832, -99.5275883

18. Kirkwood Cemetery
Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7355995, -99.3478012

19. Gregory County Home Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1253014, -99.2866974

20. Rogers Cemetery
Springview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7961006, -99.7003021

21. Baptist Cemetery
Naper, Boyd County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9730988, -99.1564026

22. Mount Hope Cemetery
Springview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8363991, -99.7489014

23. German Cemetery
Naper, Boyd County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9696999, -99.1350021

24. Sacred Heart Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1507988, -99.2913971