Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson, 77, Bismarck, died April 20th 2014 at Sanford Continuing Care Center. He did not lose his battle with cancer, but lived graciously and courageously with it until the very end. In many ways he won his battle by inspiring and teaching us how to live fully and never give up. He finally won his battle and went to the Lord on Easter Morning. Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday April 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Anne in Bismarck, with Father Wayne Sattler officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Wednesday April 23th from 4 to 9 p.m. with Knights of Columbus rosary starting at 7p.m. Kevin was born on July 26th, 1936 to George and Marybelle Doyle Anderson of Bismarck. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1955. He continued his education at University of North Dakota. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959 until 1963, which he resided on the USS Magoffin APA 199 ship overseas for 40 months and 8 days as an electrician. Kevin was united in marriage to Catherine Vogel on December 27th 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The couple had 5 children Mark, Michele, Sheila, Michael and Debra. It was important to him to provide for his family and make sure we had every opportunity to succeed in life. He would often find ways to earn a living by getting his real estate license or investing in residential properties and managing them. Kevin's lifelong career was a postal clerk for the United States Government for 25 years, retiring October 2nd, 1992. Following retirement he became a school bus driver for Harlow's Bus Service and farmed with his son-in law Rich for many years. Kevin often showed others compassion and generosity. He had a kind heart and would often help those around him. Whether it was delivering Meals on Wheels, honoring those who served their country as a member of the Post 1326 VFW Honor Guard, transporting Veterans to the VA clinic in Fargo, and being an usher at the Church of St. Anne. He was a lifetime member of the following clubs: Eagles, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Amvets, Elks, the Moose, American Legion, and Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars for Post 1326. In the early days, you could often find him driving his camper down the road to the nearest lake with his family. He would spend every weekend he could camping, boating, fishing and sitting by the campfire. He enjoyed dancing the Polka with his wife and card parties on Saturday nights, especially with his sister-in-law Betty Jerome Graner. Kevin put on many miles over the years traveling with his family all over the US to include a yearly Montana and Medora trip. One of his favorite pasttimes was gardening. Whether he was tilling other people's gardens or planting his own, Kevin had a green thumb. Even up to his death, he insisted his peas get in before the end of April. More recently, every Sunday you could find him at church, watching golf or grilling with his kids and grandkids. He loved watching Jeopardy and most often had the answers. Most people will remember him for the jokes he told as he loved to see people smile and laugh. Kevin is survived by his wife, Catherine; his sons Mark Heather Anderson, Michael Brandi Anderson, his daughters Michele Rob Heier, Sheila Rich Bernhardt, and Debra Neal Eslinger all from Bismarck. His grandchildren Scott, Brandon, and Tyler Heier; Kayla, Ryan and Karlee Bernhardt; Brant, Jada and Kale Anderson; Alea and Tia Eslinger. He has a brother Joel Karen Anderson, and sister-in-law Jane Anderson all from Bismarck. He had many nieces, nephews and cousins from all over. He also made numerous lifelong friendships with members of the Keep it Simple Group. Kevin was welcomed into Heaven by his grandson Isaac Neal Eslinger, his parents, his brother Curtis Anderson, and his sister Denise Prinz.

Kevin Anderson

July 26, 1936 - April 20, 2014