Paul Gilbert Anderson

Paul passed away on Friday, July 3rd at St. John’s Woodland in Albert Lea, MN. Paul was born on October 16th, 1933 at the Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. He was baptized at home on October 31st, 1933 by Rev. Finn Magelsen. He attended Ramsey Elementary School through 4th Grade. The family moved to the farm near Lerdal 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 in Northfield. He began his lifelong career in farming in 1952.

He was united in marriage with Beverly Jean Kjos on September 13, 1953 at the 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, serving as Sunday School Teacher, Church Secretary, Deacon, and Church President. He also served in many organizations over his lifetime, including serving on the Board of Directors of St. John’s Lutheran Home, the American Dairy Association, Mid-America Dairymen, Dairy Farmers of America. He managed the Freeborn County Fair Ice Creme Stand for over 40 years. He served on the Board of Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Senior Resources, Albert Lea Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and the 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, the Albert Lea Toastmasters Club, and enjoyed singing with the Careyaires.

He mowed the East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery and two Township Cemeteries for many years, assisted by his children and grandchildren. He served as Groundskeeper & Tour Guide for the Freeborn County Historical Museum for many years and served on their Board for six years. In 2019, he received the Freeborn County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award. In 2022, he was awarded and inducted into the Freeborn County Agriculture Hall of Fame, in appreciation for his long-term commitment to agriculture in Freeborn County.

He married High School Classmate, Leola McNearney, on September 27th, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Owatonna.

Paul is survived by his wife: Leola; his daughter: Pauline (Mike) Condon of Baxter; their sons: Paul Condon and his children: Kaden, Fiona, & Chase; Jonathan Condon (Erika Strand) and their son: Eddie; his son: David (Patricia) Anderson on the farm; their daughters: Amy (Scott) Jermstad of Brooklyn Center; their children: Sophia and Grant; Becky (Adam) Olson of Bemidji; their sons: Rhylund and Rowan; his former daughter-in-law: Karen (John) Singfiel of Rochester; her children: Krystal (Matt) Schnabel of Kanawha, IA; their children: Lillian, Robert “Robbie”, and Isabelle; Daniel (Kayla) Anderson of Pillager, MN; their children: Daxton and Hattie; and Dustin Anderson of Champlin, MN. A Niece: Lori Flugum of Albert Lea.

He is also survived by stepchildren: Kathy (Dale) Sellner of Owatonna, MN; their children: Tarah (BJ) Comstock, CO; Darrick (Tori) Sellner of Lakeville, MN; their children: Zinnia, Louis, and Andrea (Mike) Craig of Owatonna, MN; Tom Johnson of Norfolk, VA; and Rev. Gayle (Titus) Jideofor of Minneapolis, MN: their children: Paul and Sophia.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister: Margaret Flugum; his wife of 54 years: Beverly; daughter: Elaine; infant son: Ronald; and his son: Robert “Bob”. His stepmother: Viola Nelson Anderson; In-Laws: Grant and Lena Kjos and stepmother-in-law: Inger Kjos.

Paul loved being a farmer and helping his son, Dave, at harvest time, when he was still able. He enjoyed he and Le’s fifteen winters in Texas, and he was an associate member of the 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 many family and friends who have prayed for him at this time, including Pastor Matt Griggs and Fr. Kurt Farrell. Also thank you to the staff of St. John’s Woodland, and the staff of St. Croix Hospice.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 12th from 4 to 7 PM at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN. The Funeral Service will be on Monday, July 13th at 11 AM at the East Freeborn Lutheran Church, 23758 785th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN, with visitation for an hour prior. Burial will be at the East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery.

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