Larry Dean Anderson

Larry Dean Anderson was born August 11, 1942 to the late Gertrude (Howe) and Jake Anderson in Reeder, ND. Larry graduated from Reeder High School and attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

Upon graduation from “Wahpeton” he worked in the auto body industry for a couple of years. He happened to hear from a Selective Service board member that his number had been drawn. Before he was officially notified of his assignment he followed his older brother’s advice and enlisted in the Navy before he could be drafted into the Army. While in the Navy, Larry was stationed in California, Hawaii and the Philippines.

After his tour of duty, Larry returned to Reeder, where he lived for the rest of his life. He married Loretta Buchmann, from Beulah, ND; together they raised four sons; Shawn, Layne, Brandan and JaDean. Larry was an active member of the Reeder Congregational Church and a volunteer in the American Legion. He served on both the Congregational Church and American Legion boards and as a member of the Reeder Honor Guard. He was especially proud of his role in creating the “Avenue of Flags” that was a highlight of the Memorial Day Ceremonies at Rose Hill Cemetery for many years.

Larry was an avid sports fan, whether being on a team, watching from the bleachers, or yelling at the television. One of his fondest high school memories was when his winning free throws led his beloved Rockets to a victory over the Miners. Larry often told the story of when he convinced his ship’s Captain to order the “Navy vs. Army” game be broadcast on the ship’s television for him and his buddies to enjoy. Throughout his life, Larry could often be heard cheering for his kids and grandkids. In recent years he enjoyed cheering his grandkids on in their various sports, which included: soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse, volleyball, and hockey. His volume while cheering garnered him the affectionate nickname of “Noisy”. You might not see him, but you could always hear him.

Upon his retirement Larry spent his free time gardening, bird watching, and attending as many of his grandkids sporting events that he could. He enjoyed teaching his kids and grandkids how to play cards and other games, often changing the rules to keep them on their toes. While Larry wasn’t a hunter himself, he often served as the scout and driver for his kids, grandkids and their friends who would come to Reeder to hunt pheasant and deer. While driving, his passengers would get to hear non-stop stories.

Larry Dean is survived by his wife, Loretta, Reeder, ND; sons, Shawn (Jason), Layne, Brandan (Stacy), JaDean (Alisha); grandchildren, Tjadan and Isabel Anderson, Sean and Kendall Swanson, Alivia and Ainsley Anderson all from Fargo, ND; mother and father-in law, Lorraine and Eugene Buchmann of Bismarck, ND; siblings, Francis Nichols, LaCrosse, WI, Claire Carr, Glendive, MT, Terry Anderson, Dickinson, ND; close family friends, Dave, Ronda, Nicholas and Lucas Bietz, Fargo, ND; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Sophia Mae Anderson; sister, Vivian Nichols; brothers, Dale and Floyd Anderson.

His final earthly day was spent surrounded by his immediate family in love and support, sharing stories of the “Larry Dean” they all knew and loved. Larry Dean died peacefully with his wife Loretta by his side on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the Fargo VA Hospital.

In honor of Larry Dean’s wishes and service to his country he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Fort Meade, SD, or Fargo, ND, VA Health Care System, or the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.