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Richard E. Anderson
Posted
Dick passed away with family at his side on November 9, 2023. Preceded in death by his wife, Mildred “Millie”.
Dick was born on July 30, 1930, in Rockford, IL. As a youngster, Dick had a pigeon loft where he raised homing pigeons and loved to race them competitively. When he was not racing pigeons, you could find him out riding his motor scooter with his friends. Following high school, he attended a Tool and Die trade school. On December 11, 1950, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent the next four years on the battleship USS New Jersey, during the Korean War.
Shortly after his Honorable Discharge he met Millie and they married on September 15, 1956. During that same year they moved into their newly built home in Richfield, MN, where they raised four sons: Steve, Jeff, Scott and Larry. During that time, the Anderson family embarked on numerous fun-filled vacations and camping trips. They eventually purchased a cabin and boat on Maple Lake in MN where they spent their weekends boating and relaxing.
During the early 1970’s, Dick obtained a position as a mechanical engineer at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital, where he worked as a machinist and a carpenter. His work varied from repairing equipment around the hospital to designing and building specialized equipment for surgeries and research. Some of his work was published in medical journals. Millie also held a position at the VA, so they would car pool to work each day, until they both retired in 1993.
After retiring, Dick and Millie relocated to Sun City West, AZ. They spent the next 28 years taking cruises and traveling. They traveled to Canada, Europe and Mexico, and saw countless places across the US. After 64 years of marriage, Millie passed away in June of 2021. Richard then moved in with his son Larry, in Gilbert, AZ, where he resided until his passing.
Richard is survived by his four sons, Steve, Jeff (Angelica), Scott (Toni), Larry, and granddaughter Danielle.
A service followed by a reception in the church hall will be held at 10:00 on December 6, 2023, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church located at 13724 West Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375. Interment with military honors at the National Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix AZ 85024, will follow at 2:30 pm.
