Gary Anderson

Obituary Written by Gary Anderson (May 14, 1941- June 12, 2024)

Gary George Anderson was born on May 14, 1941, in Wadena, MN. His parents were George Vernon and Dorothy Mae Anderson (Martin). He grew up in New York Mills, MN except for one year while his father was stationed at the Naval base near Oakland, CA in 1945.

While in school, Gary loved basketball, tennis, track, and cross country running. He spent hundreds of hours shooting baskets in a rim nailed to the barn. All the practices paid off; Gary made the New York Mills starting varsity team in grades 10-12. A simple childhood goal came true when he scored 20 points (there were no 3-pointers then).

After graduating with the class of 1959, he went to Bemidji State College earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.

While in college, he tried out for the basketball team. He got to the Final Cut, but those 6’6” and 6’8” guys were just too overpowering! Still loving the game, he became the team equipment manager so he could travel with the “big boys” for a season. It was a great experience.

On June 22, 1963, Gary married high school girlfriend Janice Marie Teberg in New York Mills. They lived in Hitterdal, MN while Gary taught Industrial Technology in Audubon, MN and Hitterdal, MN. Their first son, Thane, was born in Moorhead, MN on May 11, 1964.

Gary coached a “B” league basketball team while in Hitterdal. In 1965, they moved to Nevis, MN, teaching and coaching Junior High basketball and varsity track.

His second son, Joel, was born in Park Rapids, MN on July 19, 1967.

Gary enjoyed watching his boys play in all sports and hunting and fishing with them.

In January 1985, Gary married high school classmate Carol Leah Berletic (Alston). He instantly acquired three more sons; Joe, Jeff, and Mike.

In 1994, after 31 years in the classroom, Gary turned in his keys to the “shop” and started his “new” career as a custodian at the Nevis School. He still loved being around the kids. He retired in May 2005.

Gary enjoyed golf, fixing things, inventing and puttering in the garage workshop. He always looked forward to visits with the kids and grandkids. He always tried to look at the “bright side.” If it rains- there is no fire danger! He loved to laugh. His favorite saying; “It All Works Out!”

Gary moved to Steamboat Springs, CO in February 2015 to be near his sons, Thane and Joel and their families. He enjoyed watching grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. In September 2016, Gary met Charlotte Anne Allen at the Community Center lunch. After a movie and coffee, they became and remained best friends. They enjoyed senior lunch and festivities like movies, Netflix, fishing, grilling, and all family activities. She visited him almost daily when he was hospitalized. It was wonderful to plan what to do with the millions if they hit a giant lotto. Lots of good ideas to make many, many happy. It was always fun.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Janice, and his second wife, Carol. He is survived by his brother, Richard Anderson (Ginger), sons, Thane (Diane E.) and Joel (Diane S.), stepsons Joe, Mike (Andrea), and Jeff (Amy) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Spend time remembering the fun and funny times we have had. Wherever I am, I want to hear roaring laughter. It’s been a good ride. I was lucky to have had 3 wonderful women by my side for most of my life. I miss them. Keep smiling, have a good time, and have a designated driver.”

A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in New York Mills, MN at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29th. Afterwards, pizza and drinks will be provided at Lund Park in New York Mills.

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