Terry Anderson

Retired Crystal Fire Department Assistant Chief

Terrence R. Anderson, 63, Aitkin, formerly of Crystal, died Feb. 19, 2010, at his home.

Terrence was born Nov. 15, 1946, at Aitkin, the son of Alphons and Rosella (Cassady) Anderson. He moved with his family to the Twin Cities at the age of three where he grew up and attended schools. He also attended school at Montevideo. He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis in 1964. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served in Germany, and then as a drill instructor at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Upon his discharge he returned to the Twin Cities and worked for a time for Super Valu. He married LaVonne M. Lemire on Jan. 4, 1969, at Crystal. They made their home and raised their family in Crystal. He worked as a security guard for the Northridge Nursing Facility. He also was a volunteer fireman for the Crystal Fire Department and had served as Deputy Fire Chief. He served with the department from 1971 to his retirement in 1996. He retired due to health issues in 2008 and in December 2008 moved to Aitkin. He was a member of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Assn., the Teamsters and the Aitkin American Legion Post 86. He had started the Crystal Fire Explorer Post. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting and golfing. He also helped coach baseball and softball.

He is survived by his wife LaVonne Anderson, Aitkin; daughters and sons-in-law: Anna and Brent Jablonski, Rogers; and Jennie and Joe Elsenpeter, Buffalo; son and daughter-in-law, James and Cindy Anderson, Little Falls; nine grandchildren; six sisters and their spouses, Cheri and Wayne Hempeck, Melrose; Lonnie and Ron Olson, Blaine; Lezlie and Ken Dadd, Anoka; Tammy Anderson, Crystal; Susan and Jerry Johnson, St. Paul; and Michelle and Tom Steffenhagen, Orlando, Fla.; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Stephanie Anderson, Glenwood, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held Tue., Feb. 23, 2010 at 11 a.m. from St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin with Fr. Justin Fish officiating. Burial will be in the St. Thomas Cemetery in Aitkin. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Military honors will be provided by the Aitkin VFW and American Legion Posts.

- from the Aikin Independent Age