Lonnie R. Anderson

Lonnie Anderson, 80, of Michigan, ND passed away November 28, 2022 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks after a valiant year-long battle with lung cancer and heart issues.  Lonnie Ray Anderson was born May 29, 1942 in New Rockford, ND to Alfred and Elaine (Faytle) Anderson.  Lonnie grew up attending school in McHenry, ND graduating in 1961.  He then attended Molar Barber College in Fargo, ND.  Lonnie married his high school sweetheart, Renee Tufte, (who he actually said he would marry in 1st grade) in 1963 in McHenry.  Lonnie and Renee resided in Grand Forks where they welcomed their first son Jeffrey Dean.  They moved to Michigan, ND in 1965.

As a Service Club member, Lonnie and “the group” were instrumental in the development of the Michigan Mall where Lonnie opened “Lonnie’s Barbershop” and Renee operated “Renee’s Beauty Shop”.  Along with running their new businesses, Lonnie and Renee also expanded their family by having two more children, Gregory Allen and Le Ann Dree.  Years later Lonnie transitioned to cutting hair part-time as he managed RL farms for over 6 years.  He was then hired by the Michigan Implement where he sold the “green machinery” for many years.  He then switched to parts and bulk oil delivery where he loved meeting new people and visited with countless customers for 37 years.  No matter where he traveled, he would always come across someone he knew.

In 2008 after Jeff was diagnosed with cancer, Lonnie and Renee helped their son manage the Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in Michigan, ND.  In 2011 upon Jeff’s death, they took over management until the bar was sold in 2014.  Lonnie retired from the Leading-Edge Equipment, in August of 2019 at the age of 77.  Over the years he did not let grass grow under his feet.  In addition to his other “jobs,” he also hauled furniture for the local Johnson Store and worked for local farmers.  He and his son Jeff enjoyed having 21 registered quarter horses and in recent years Lonnie enjoyed helping good friends, John and David at Steffan Farms.

Throughout his life Lonnie was very involved with his community.  Some of these duties included: The Service Club, being elected as City Councilman and Mayor of Michigan – where he held a seat for many years, a member of the volunteer ambulance and fire departments, the secretary of the State Barber’s Association, and an active member of Michigan Lutheran Church, where he held many different positions on the board.  Lonnie was always willing to help and get involved.

Lonnie enjoyed many activities to include his life-long love of horses, hunting, fishing, cards, corn hole, and just BS’ing with anyone he bumped into.  He called a spade a spade and told you like it was.  He loved being around and watching his kids and grandkids’ and very seldom missed their many activities, music and sporting events were of his favorites.  He loved cheering for them and offering nothing but support.  He was so proud of them all in whatever they did, which isn’t surprising as family was everything to him.  Lonnie was never short on “advice” for the Minnesota Vikings and did his best to “coach” them from his recliner while watching them play.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Renee; son, Greg, Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Le Ann (Scott) Holmquist, Cavalier, ND; grandchildren, Jordan Anderson, Grand Forks, ND;  Dalton Anderson, Michigan, ND; Amanda (Bradford) Marsili, Baltimore, MD; Marly (Addie) Schnabel, Jamestown, ND; Ty and Tage Holmquist, Cavalier, ND; great granddaughter, Eleanor Marsili; his brother, Gerry (Barbara),  Duncan, Oklahoma; in-laws, Lyla Anderson, Springfield, IL; Raymond & Barbara Walker and Rod & Wanda College, Cooperstown, ND; Darla & Larry Culp, Jamestown, ND; Mike & Harriet Tufte, Carrington, ND; 1st cousin, Peggy (Andy) Veres, Medina, OH; a new found cousin (thanks to genealogy research) Julie (Josh) Mandler, Watford City, ND; and many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Lonnie was welcomed into heaven by his parents; son, Jeff; brother, Rodney; sister, Lola Leir; mother & father-in-law, Stanley & Kathleen Tufte; great nephews/niece, Spencer, Alex & Melody Tufte; and 1st cousin Joe Hanson.

The Memorial Service will be held at Michigan Lutheran Church, Michigan, ND, on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.  Interment will be private at the Bethlehem Cemetery, McHenry, ND.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Michigan Lutheran Church.

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