Deane Gilbert Anderson

Deane Gilbert Anderson, age 92, was born on July 1, 1931. Deane was the fourth child born to Elmer and Celia (Davis) Anderson. Deane always said he had very loving and caring parents who taught their children the importance of family, love for the Lord, and the true meaning of loving thy neighbor.   

Deane received his education at Gillett Grove, graduating in 1949. Following graduation, he helped his father on the family farm for three years. In 1952 he was drafted into the army. The first eight weeks were at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. The next eight weeks were in Fort Belvoir, Virginia for advanced heavy equipment maintenance training. Then for the next eighteen months, he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany doing heavy equipment maintenance. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to visit/explore eight different European capitals/countries while he was overseas. Deane loved to show family and friends his slides from the countries he had visited and share about the adventures that were included with each trip.  

Deane continued farming with his father upon his return from Germany.  In June of 1959, he married the love of his life, Margaret May Elkin. Deane and Margaret continued to live on the Anderson family farm after they were married. They raised four children, Randall, Bradley, Deanna, and Rodney on the farm.  Deane started working at Eaton Corporation in 1972 and continued there until his retirement in 1996.  

In 1992, Deane and Margaret built a Wisconsin home in Spencer and moved from the farm to town. Deane wasn’t too sure about living in town, but they really enjoyed their home.  

Deane always told Margaret that someday he would take her to Europe to see the European countries he saw while stationed in Germany.  In September of 1996, he kept his promise and took Margaret on a two-week tour of seven of the European countries.  They talked about their trip for many years to come.  

Deane loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved attending church and church activities. Throughout the years, Deane served as a deacon, elder, chairperson of several committees, chairperson of the board, and Sunday school teacher.  Deane served on the election board for 40 years. He was an assistant 4-H leader and enjoyed helping with the annual 4-H swine show at the Clay County Fair. Deane was a member of the American Legion.  

As Margaret’s health deteriorated, Deane became a caregiver, and he doted on Margaret every day. Their undying love for each other was ever present. When it became necessary to move Margaret to the nursing home, Deane would be at the nursing home from 8:30 to 4:00 each day to spend the day with Margaret. Even during COVID when they couldn’t be together, Deane made sure he called her at three specific times each day, just to check in. Their love was a great example for their children and others.  

Deane was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret, his brother, Ronald Anderson, his brother-in-law, Russell Werts, his brother-in-law, Lowell Sjogren, his brother-in-law, Wayne Salton.  

He is survived by his sons: Randall (Kathy) Anderson—Fostoria, Bradley (Julie) Anderson—Schaller, Rodney (Dawn) Anderson—Dickens and daughter, Deanna (Dick) McCord—Spencer. Grandchildren: Katie (Eli) Tintor, Scott (Keira) McCord, Rachel (Zac) Seaman, Shelby (Jordan) Heilman, Sean (Kelly) McCord, Grant Anderson, Wren Anderson, Reno Anderson and great-grandchildren: Olivia Tintor, Charlie McCord, Flynn Heilman, Marley Tintor, Olivia McCord. Brother—Wendell (Vivian) Anderson—Spencer, Sisters—Wilma Werts—Pueblo, CO, Doris (Don) Nissen—Spencer, Lola Sjogren—Sibley, sister-in-law Clela Anderson—St Louis, MO, sister-in-law Doris Salton—Dickens, IA, brother-in-law, Marshall (Lillian) Elkin—Carlock, IL.