Erling Anderson

Erling Donald Anderson (98 years old) was born on October 4^th, 1925, to George and Gunda (Viste) Anderson, in Anthony Township of Norman County. His very Scandinavian birth certificate states Earling, but he has always gone by Erling. He was the middle child of three that were all spaced 7 years apart.

Erling grew up on his farm and walked to his one room schoolhouse through 8^th grade.  He often bragged that he ranked second in his class of two children.  Erling had his sister-in-law (Ruth Anderson) as his teacher. Erling was a born farmer and loved watching the farm work outside his schoolhouse window; where his teacher, Ruth, had to tell him to let the farmer do his work and to concentrate on his schoolwork. 

Erling married on April 11, 1954, and was a devoted husband of almost 68 years to Evonne Julia Livdahl until she passed away in 2022. Erling would always say Evonne was “the best wife morning, noon and night.” They never missed a day of devotions and praying together.

Erling spent most of his career as a farmer, but in his golden years, worked for Korsmo Funeral Home, managed an apartment complex, cleaned office buildings and even helped Evonne with a daycare until she turned 80.

Faith, ministry, and prayer were the backbone of Erling and Evonne’s marriage and livelihood. They were devoted members of every church they belonged to East Marsh River Lutheran Church, Good News Lutheran Church, Christ the King and at the end, and attended Dilworth Lutheran Church. Whether they were active in Gideons International and providing scripture to as many people as possible or working as Janitors for Jesus at Christ the King, their contributions to their church, community and faith life were endless and impossible to list. Most importantly, Erling insisted on praying before every meal, even restaurants, despite their children and grandchildren’s protests. He never faltered in faith.

Erling’s family would list their favorite parts about him:

• Grateful – To have company over for a meal, coffee with a relative or a roof over his head.
• Devoted – To Evonne, to the Lord, to all.
• Encourager – Asked “What can I do for you?” until his last day.
• Fixer – Erling could fix anything and loved working with his hands.
• Dreamer – He built his dream feedlot and never gave up on his hopes, whether it was to travel or find long, lost relatives in Scandinavia.
• Appreciative - Erling gave anyone who helped care for him a “Triple A Plus – 1000% Rating”

Erling passed away peacefully into heaven on January 3, 2024, after family was able to be by his side and following the local priest’s instructions to follow the light. He is singing in heaven, likely a hymn or Lawrence Welk tune, next to Evonne on the piano. Erling was under the loving care of Halstad Living Center and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Erling is survived by his four children, Mark J. Anderson, Moorhead, MN, Arlen Anderson, Moorhead, MN, Timothy (Elaine) Anderson, Fargo, ND, and Jane (Virgil) Purrington, Ada, MN; 4 grandchildren: Benjamin (Stacy) Purrington, Katie (Andrew) Tritz, Denise (Brent) Tollefson and Richard (Traci) Anderson; 10 great-grandchildren along with 2 brother in-laws Roger (Barbara) Livdahl, Spring Lake Park, MN and Gerald (Rose) Livdahl, Lake Park, MN.

Erling was preceded in death by his wife, Evonne, his parents, by his siblings and their spouses, Albert (Ruth) Anderson and Ruthie (Raymond) Grothe.

Memorials preferred to the Gideons International, Halstad Living Center or to your personal preferences.

Visitation will begin at 1 PM, followed by a funeral at 2 PM, Friday, January 12, 2024, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.

He will be laid to rest in Moorhead Memorial Gardens, Moorhead.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)