Obituary of Dennis W. Anderson

Dennis W. Anderson, 71, of Vining, MN passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2016 at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie Dennis Wayne Anderson was born January 19, 1945 in Superior, Wis. to Helen (Froshaug) and Wayne Anderson. He grew up in Isanti, Minn. alongside his sister Sharron and brother Gary. At the age of 10, he began his first job delivering newspapers. He steadfastly delivered papers each day, sometimes visiting with residents and once carrying puppies in his jacket that had been left outside in the cold. Dennis’ interest in the dairy business began with his milk delivery route and continued at the age of 15 when he started working with his dad at the Isanti Creamery. He met the love of his life, Audrey LaVae (Horan), at Cambridge High School, where they graduated in 1963. Dennis and Audrey were married on July 18, 1964 at Cambridge Lutheran Church. Dennis worked in the dairy industry until 1987 when he fulfilled his lifelong dream of purchasing his own plant in Alexandria, Minn. He owned and ran Northern Food and Dairy for 13 years until selling it to SunOpta in 2000. Dennis’ optimistic spirit and will to live allowed him to fight through an aggressive and nearly impossible battle with lung cancer in 2002. With renewed gratitude for life, he placed his focus on the family he loved. He delighted in traveling to new places, rejoicing in Christmas traditions, and celebrating everyday occasions around the table with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dennis found simple joy in discovering antique treasures wherever he went, hunting with family and friends, and adopting animals – his pet bear Ayla being a particular favorite. Nobody was a stranger to Dennis, as he continually made new friends everywhere he went by showing his genuine interest in their lives, sharing his candid sense of humor, and making others happy. When illness returned, bringing pain and limiting him from doing the things he loved to do, Dennis never complained. He embraced the fullness of his days, and his perseverance in health setbacks and discouragements shows the value he placed on the precious gift of life at each stage. Dennis left this world after a long battle with cancer on the morning of December 3, 2016 surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Audrey of Vining, son Christopher (Terri) of Osakis, son Michael of Cambridge, grandson Benjamin (Renee) of Maple Grove, granddaughters Alexandra and Kathryn of Osakis, sister Sharron Erickson of Plymouth, brother Gary (Kerrie) of Minneapolis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by an infant son, brother-in-law Steve Erickson, mother Helen, and father Wayne.