Floyd Arthur Anderson

Floyd was born in Hawley, Minnesota on July 12,1933 to Arthur and Alice (Cederberg) Anderson and was the first-born of five children. Floyd attended school in Hitterdal, Minnesota and at the same time also helped his family with the responsibilities of running and operating the family farm. While attending school, he met his future wife and life partner, Mary Lou (Olson).

In April of 1954 after turning 21 years old, he enlisted into the United States Army. On December 25,1954 he married Mary Lou – a marriage and love story that would last 67 wonderful years. The newlyweds started on an adventure together as they moved to Texas while Floyd served for two years at Fort Hood. After faithfully and proudly serving his country, Floyd and Mary Lou returned to Minnesota and settled in Moorhead. It was here they started their family with the birth of their two children. While living in town, Floyd provided for his family by working in the construction industry -- however, his dream was to return to his roots and become a farmer.

In 1969, his dream became a reality when he and Mary Lou purchased a dairy farm south of Hitterdal. This is where he and Mary Lou spent some of their best years, and where their children grew up. Floyd was a dedicated farmer and worked the land for over 40 years. One of his favorite pastimes included driving the country roads outside of Hitterdal to look at crops, while stopping to chat and visit with neighbors along the way. In 1987 Floyd joined the custodial department at Concordia College located in Moorhead, Minnesota and worked there until 2002. Just as in every other aspect of his life, Floyd enjoyed his work, and was well-liked and respected. Floyd continued to farm until 2006 when he decided it was time to retire. At that time, he and Mary Lou moved to Hitterdal. In 2019, they decided to embark on a new journey and made a move to Mesa, AZ to be closer to family. Floyd loved the warm winters in Arizona and enjoyed sitting out on his porch, drinking coffee, and chatting with neighbors.

Floyd loved serving his country as well as serving his community. He enjoyed participating in local events including Memorial Day ceremonies, and Hitterdal’s Santa Claus Days where he played the role of Santa Claus for many years. He was active on several boards including the Farmers Home Administration (FHA), the Hitterdal Elevator Association, Wild Rice Electric, and the Highland Grove Township board. He also served on the Highland Grove Lutheran Church council. He was an active member of the American Legion as well as the Hitterdal Lions.

Floyd will always be remembered by those who knew him as a hard-working man of integrity. Whether working on the farm or interacting with family and friends, he was dependable, fair, and honest. He was also warm, friendly, and had a witty sense of humor. His legacy and memory live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he will be forever loved and deeply missed by his family.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Anderson; children, Michael (Corinne) Anderson, Jacolyn Most; brothers, Nile (Raynelle) Anderson, Rick (Paula) Anderson; brother-in-law, Forrest Erickson; sisters-in-law, Marsha Olson, Linda Rippy, Ruby Olson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Annette (Jeff) Nelson, Hailey and Vaida, Kristin (Cody) Houglum, and Trey, Ashlie (Matt) Cochrane, Luke and Ella; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alice Anderson; brother, DuWayne (Shirley) Anderson; and sister, Faye Erickson.

A memorial service for Floyd will be held at a later date in Hitterdal, Minnesota.