Richard George Anderson

Richard (Dick) George Anderson, 93, of Fargo, ND, and formerly of Grafton, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Bethany on 42nd under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Richard (Dick) Anderson was born on April 4, 1930 to Sigurd and Jessie (Barron) Anderson in Glasgow, MT. After his parents divorced, Dick was raised in the Grafton and Voss, North Dakota, area. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1949. He married Marlys Hauge on April 26, 1951. Dick and Marlys started their married life in Alabama, where Dick was serving with the North Dakota Army National Guard. They returned to Grafton, ND, where they lived for many years. Dick worked with his father-in-law in the cabinet-making business and after the death of his father-in-law, he owned and operated a furniture business, Melvin's Furniture, Grafton, ND. Dick later owned and operated M and R Mobile Home Court in Grafton, ND.

Dick was a very hard worker who made his own opportunities. It was important to him to provide a good life for his family. In 1960 Dick and Marlys purchased a lake lot at Birch Beach on Lake of the Woods, MN. Dick cleared the lot and built the cabin, with several additions through the years. Many happy memories were made by family at this cabin. After retiring from the furniture business, Dick and Marlys enjoyed winters in Naples, Florida. They made lasting friendships with other snowbirds and Floridians. Dick loved it when his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids came to visit them in Florida. Dick and Marlys moved to Pioneer House Assisted Living in the fall of 2018. Marlys passed away in April of 2019, and Dick remained at Pioneer House until January of 2024, when he moved to Bethany on 42nd and resided there until his passing.

Dick is survived by three of his four children: Bunnie Johnson Messelt, Fargo; Kristi (Jeff) Larson, Grand Forks; Mark (Pam) Anderson, Jamestown, ND. Grandchildren surviving are Katie Fischer, Heidi (Jason) Lang, Jared (Nicole) DeSautel, Matthew (Sandy) Johnson, Jeremy (Randi) Johnson, Megan Johnson, Bill (Whitney) Anderson, Josh (Amber) Pulst, Brandon Pulst, Haley Larson, Molly (Chad) Olson. Great-Grandchildren surviving are Riley, Lauren, Nora and Thomas Johnson; Drew, Keeley and Jillian Lang; Adrian and Kingston Fischer; Faye Anderson and Chase and Charley Olson. Dick is also survived by his brother, Frank McCann of Grafton; his son-in law, Tim DeSautel; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; daughter, Signe (Skippy) DeSautel; grandsons, Louis Anderson and Luke Larson; son-in-law, Mike Messelt; his parents, Sigurd Anderson and Jessie McCann; and stepfather, George McCann; brother, Edward Anderson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Lillian Hauge.

Per his request, there will be no funeral. The family will gather for a time of celebration at a later date. His body will be donated to UND Medical School. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Fargo VA, Pioneer House, Bethany on 42nd, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the wonderful care they provided for Dick. Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. God Bless the memory of Richard G. Anderson.