Paul Gilbert Anderson

Paul Gilbert Anderson, 92, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026 at St. John's Rehab Center.

Paul was born in Albert Lea Naeve Hospital on October 16, 1933, to Ernest and Ida (Ellegard) Anderson. Paul was baptized at home on October 31, 1933, by the Rev. Finn Magelsen. He attended Ramsey Elementary School through 4th grade. The family moved to a farm near Ledal in 1943, he then attended District 25 through the 8th grade. Paul was confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, in May of 1948. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1951; then attended St. Olaf College. He began his lifelong career in farming in 1952.

On September 13, 1953, he married Beverly Jean Kjos at East Freeborn Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death in 2007. Five children were born to this union: Pauline, David, Elaine, Robert and Ronald.

Paul was an active member of East Freeborn Lutheran church, served as a Sunday School teacher, Church Secretary, Deacon and Church President. He served in many organizations in his lifetime, including being on the Board of Directors of St. John's Lutheran Home, American Dairy Association, Mid-America Dairymen; Dairy Farmers of America, managed the Freeborn Co. Fair Ice Crème Stand for over 40 years. He served on the Board of Freeborn Mower Cooperative services, Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Senior Resources, Albert Lea Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, History Center of Freeborn County. He also served as a Supervisor of the Town of Riceland for 25 years.

He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Albert Lea Toastmasters Club and really enjoyed singing with the Careyaires. He mowed the East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery and 2 Township Cemeteries for several years. He served as Grounds Keeper & Tour Guide for the Freeborn County Historical Museum for many years; plus on their board for 6 years. In 2019 he was awarded the Freeborn County Outstanding Senior Citizen award. (Judy Popp was awarded the female Outstanding Senior Citizen Award). In 2022 he was awarded & Inducted into the Freeborn County Agriculture Hall of Fame, in appreciation for his long-term commitment to agriculture in Freeborn County. On September 17, 2009, he married high school classmate Leola McNearney at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Owatonna.

Paul is survived by his wife, Leola; his daughter Pauline (Mike) Condon, Baxter, MN., their children: Paul Condon & his children: Kaden, Fiona & Chase, & Jonathan (Erika Strand) Condon & their son Edward, "Eddie", Fargo, N.D.; Paul's son, David (Patricia) Anderson and their children: Amy (Scott) Jermstad, Brooklyn Center, Mn. and their children: Sophia and Grant; plus, Becky (Adam) Olson, Bemidji, MN., & their children: Rhyland and Rowan; his daughter-in-law Karen (John) Singfiel, Rochester, MN. and her children: Krystal (Matt) Schnabel, their children: Lillian, Robert "Robbie" and Isabelle, Kanawha, lA. and son Daniel (Kayla) Anderson, their children: Daxton and Hattie, Pillager, MN.; his grandson Dustin Anderson, Champlin, MN.; his stepchildren: Kathy (Dale) Sellner, Owatonna, MN., their children: Tarah (BJ) Comstock, Colorado., Darrick (Tori) Sellner, their children: Zinnia & Louis, Lakeville, MN. Andrea (Mike) Craig, Owatonna, MN. Tom Johnson, Norfolk, VA.; Rev. Gayle (Titus) Jideofor, their children: Paul & Sophia, Minneapolis, MN.; and his niece Lori Flugum, Albert Lea, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Beverly of 54 years; daughter Elaine; an infant son Ronald; and his son Robert "Bob"; his stepmother Viola Nelson Anderson; father & mother in-law Grant & Lena (Kjos); and his stepmother-in law Inger Kjos.

He loved being a farmer & helping his son at harvest time, when he was able. He enjoyed 15 winters in Texas and was an associate member of Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Weslaco, TX. 

Family and his faith were very important to him and he instilled this into his children. This was very visible during his time in the hospital when he was surrounded by many of them. Thank you to the many family and friends who have prayed for him at this time, including Pastor Matt Griggs & Father Kurt Farrell. Also, thank you to the staff at St. John's Woodland Bldg., and the staff of St. Croix Hospice.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12 from 4 to 7 PM at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea, 56007. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 13 beginning at 11 AM, preceded by an hour of visitation, at East Freeborn Lutheran Church, 23758 785th Avenue, Albert Lea, 56007. Paul will be interred in East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery following funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery, or the Freeborn County History Center.