Obituary of Dean Anderson

Dean Gordon Anderson, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Paul's Lake in Cambridge surrounded by his family on January 16, 2009. Dean was born to Andrew and Christine Anderson on July 16, 1924 in Bradford Township, Isanti County. He attended grade school in Oxlip and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1941. After graduation, Dean helped on the family farm until joining the U.S. Navy on May 5, 1944. He was trained at U.S.N.T.S., Great Lakes Illinois, Service School Command, and was discharged on July 31, 1945 from the U.S. Naval Special Hospital, Yosemite, California Seaman 2nd Class. Dean married Joyce Marian Anderson on September 13, 1947. After living in Minneapolis for a number of years, Dean and Joyce moved back to the Cambridge community. In the home they built on Paul's Lake in 1954, they raised their five children. Dean worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring on July 16, 1979 after 33 years of civilian service. After retirement from the postal service, he worked in real estate for a short period of time. He planned a tree farm in Springvale Township and with the help of his family began planting. The maturing pines that now fill what used to be an open field will be his mark on the landscape for decades to come. Dean was a member of the Cambridge United Methodist Church and an active member of American Legion Post 290. He was also an early member of the Cambridge Curling Club. Dean loved spending time with family and friends, dancing, bowling, bird watching, gardening and volunteering. He was an avid card player that one would prefer as a partner, rather than as an opponent. Wherever Dean went, he brought with him an energy and a true joy in living that was a gift to those around him. More than anything else, "Papa" Dean lived for his family. Providing for them and caring for them was first and foremost in his heart. There was never a shortage of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, even nieces and nephews, around Papa and he treasured every visit. For many years, the family has gathered on Paul's Lake to celebrate birthdays each month. He loved these casual, fun times of laughing, talking and just being together with one another. He remained actively involved in the lives of all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout his life, never wanting to miss a ballgame, a recital or other special event. Even in his later years when he was plagued with health problems, he was energized by the closeness and love he received from his family. In their eyes, "Papa" Dean was truly larger than life and his loving presence was, and will always be, a guiding force for all of them. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, three sisters and granddaughter, Jill Wicht. Dean is survived by Joyce, his wife of 61 years, five children, Jackie (Mike) Oslund of Cambridge, Steven Anderson of Stanchfield, Jane (Steven) Anderson of Isanti, Jon (Cathy) Anderson of Cambridge, Neil (Gwen) Anderson of Cambridge, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, two sisters, Vivian House of Princeton and Eunice McBee of Perham, MN as well as many nieces and nephews.