Rodney D. Anderson Williston, North Dakota Obituary

Rodney D. Anderson

Rodney Anderson, 83, a local farmer and longtime Williston resident, passed away at home on June 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. Rodney Duane Anderson was born in Powers Lake, ND on January 18, 1938, to Leland Anderson and Evelyn (Sundhagen) Anderson, and was raised on the family farm south of Wildrose. He graduated from Wildrose High School in 1956 and attended NDSU Bottineau after being recruited for basketball, and then Minot State University, where he met his wife of 60 years, Sharon (Skarstad) Anderson. Rodney served in the US Army from 1958-1960, assigned to the 7th Army Training Center in Vilseck, Germany, and returned to settle in Williston, where he and Sharon built their life together. Rodney worked in the accounting department at Montana Dakota Utilities for thirty four years, including 1965-1968 in Wolf Point, Montana. He also had a long career as a farmer, raising spring wheat and durum on the family farm, and as a basketball official from the early 1960s into the 1980s, refereeing hundreds of games across western North Dakota and eastern Montana. During the oil boom in the late 1970s he was a founding partner and president of AMCO Enterprises, a mineral services company. After retiring from MDU he also enjoyed working as a landman at Diamond Resources for several years. Rodney enjoyed actively participating in sporting and community life. As a young man he rodeoed, played city league basketball and church league softball, and attended Coyote and Teton sporting events. In his thirties and through middle age he served in numerous community service roles. He was a member of the Elks Club, the Lions Club, the Williston Chamber of Commerce, and was president of the Williston United Way Campaign in 1975. For several years he served as treasurer of the District 1 Republican Party, and for nine years served on the Mercy Hospital board of directors, including one as president. He was particularly proud to be chosen as a commencement speaker at Wildrose High School. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church for nearly six decades. Throughout his life Rodney was sociable, smart, and thoughtful. He loved to read, particularly in the winter months. He liked people and had a talent for friendship. He took pride in his family, his Norwegian roots and many relatives, and he loved Williston and North Dakota. In later years he was an attentive and doting grandfather and father-in law, and a regular participant at coffee groups around town. He had friends wherever he went. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Anderson; his sons, Lt.Col.(ret) Duane Anderson (Laura) of Annapolis, Maryland and Dr. Todd Anderson of Springfield, Missouri; his grandsons Wyatt Anderson of Nashville, Tennessee, Sam Anderson of Washington, DC, and Luke Anderson of Madison, Wisconsin; numerous cousins; and many lifelong friends. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
January 18, 1938 - June 20, 202101/18/193806/20/2021
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Jeani Driscoll
September 10, 2021
I remember how Rodney brought me a flower the week of graduation. Having lost my Dad when I was 14, holidays and special events always really made me miss my Dad. Rodney made my day when he showed up with a flower that week. Jeani Stannard Driscoll
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Karla Zimney
June 25, 2021
Sharon, Duane and Todd our hearts grieve with your hearts. Rodney was of best character and above measure in every way. His friendship was special to us. We will miss this truly great man. Bruce and Karla Zimney
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Roger and Sandy Kohlman
June 24, 2021
I was saddened to hear of Rodneys passing. What a great guy he was. I remember our many visits at coffee at the old Economart. Always looked forward to it. He will be missed by many. Our condolences to you Sharon, and to your family.
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Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home
June 24, 2021
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Scott McPherson
June 24, 2021
Sharon, Duane, & Todd, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rodney, I remember Rodney as a truly authentic and genuine man. He was always so welcoming and fun when I was at your house many times in my youth. He was so selfless and willing to help others at any time. ... Continue Reading
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Sherry and Wayne Rodvold
June 23, 2021
Sharon and family, Wayne and I offer you our deepest sympathy, What a special man Rodney was, so kind and such an infectious smile
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Pete and Carol Reed
June 22, 2021
We remember him as being a great steward to his farming neighborhood and his labor for farming was one we were proud of. He loved where he was from and his love for his heritage and family. He loved the Lord in His walk on this earth and was a fine example to us. Sha... Continue Reading
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Brent Anderson
June 22, 2021
Williston has certainly lost a good man and icon of the "get-involved and make things better" generation. As a childhood friend of Todd and Duane from Wilkinson Elementary through WHS, I was fortunate to have made a lot of great memories with their family, and fondly rec... Continue Reading
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Mike, Paula, Sarah & Aaron Jeffrey
June 22, 2021
A candle was posted for Rodney D. Anderson.
A candle was posted for Rodney D. Anderson.
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Heidi Coughlin
June 22, 2021