Dean Anderson, 75

Dean Philip Anderson, 75, died February 1, 2012 at his home.

Dean was born November 5, 1936 in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Philip and June (Jacobson) Anderson. He grew up in Vermillion, SD, where he was raised in the Baptist faith and graduated from high school. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota, receiving a master’s degree in education administration. He was also a member of the 1958 national champion basketball team at USD. Dean was a member of the United States National Guard while living in Vermillion.

Dean married Carol Nooney in 1961 in Yankton, SD. They lived in Vermillion where he taught social studies and coached golf and basketball. Three children were born to this union, Todd, Kelly and Karina. Dean and his family moved to Montevideo in 1970. He worked at Southwest State University in Marshall as the student teacher coordinator until 1977 when he bought the Mohawk Café in Montevideo, which he operated for 12 years.

Dean returned to education in 1989. He taught social studies at the Montevideo High School for more than 10 years, where he also coached girls and boys middle school basketball. While living in Montevideo, Dean volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, was a member of the Lions Club, the MHS Service Club, and part of a liar’s poker group that had coffee and rolled dice every day for more than 30 years.

After retirement, Dean and Carol moved to Alexandria in 2006. They made many friends and enjoyed spending their time working in the yard, gardens, and feeding the birds. Dean liked to play golf and travel with Carol. He also enjoyed attending local theater productions and volunteering at Knute Nelson. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s extra curricular activities as often as possible. He was their number-one fan.

Dean’s clear blue eyes led the way to his warm heart and great sense of humor. He was a talented balloon artist; always ready to make a balloon animal to brighten someone’s day. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carol Anderson of Alexandria; sons, Todd (Linda) Anderson of Alexandria, Kelly (Linda) Anderson of Miltona; daughter, Karina (Mike) Novak of New London; grandchildren, Matthew and Thomas Anderson of Alexandria, Grady and Sam Anderson of Miltona, Kira, Emily and Jack Novak of New London; brother, Grant (Cheryl) Anderson of Littleton, CO; sister, Christine Rasmussen of Waterville, ME; many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Mark Anderson.

A memorial service was held for Dean on Monday, February 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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