Clarence "Duane" Duane Anderson

Clarence “Duane” Anderson of Rock Creek passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the age of 86.

Clarence Duane Anderson was born September 16, 1932 to Clarence W. and Victoria (Okerson) Anderson at their home in rural Harris, Minnesota. He spent his childhood growing up on the farm in Rock Creek with his three sisters, Doris, Margaret and Lorraine. Duane attended the McKay Country School - District 23 through the sixth grade which was about a half a mile from his home and as he would say, “it was uphill both ways.” He completed school through ninth grade at the Rush City School in town, but then was needed at home to help with the family farm. Duane told many stories of the farm and the many neighbors who helped each other out.

Duane served in the army from 1953 until 1955 where he was trained in truck driving and operated a truck with an air compressor mounted on it, stationed in Germany. It was there were his comrades nicknamed him “Andy.” He was a member of the 432nd Battalion of Engineers that had the motto “Do It Now.” Duane made that part of his life-long work ethic.

Duane married Judy (Nys) on June 27, 1959. Duane and Judy raised their family of four children on the farm north of Rush City on Old Highway 61. Duane worked as a farmer, sawyer and truck driver through the years. He retired at age 62 from Cass Screw Machine where he drove delivery truck in the Twin Cities for a wonderful company. He would eat his large “60-mile apple” on his commute.

Five years before retirement, he began work on his biggest dream. Duane wanted to start an antique farm show featuring grain threshing and lumber sawing with some of the same equipment as he used and learned about growing up. When Duane checked all this out with the family, Judy said, “You want to WHAT?!” As you all might know already, that was almost 30 years ago and the ARCR show (on Duane’s farm) will continue to grow with family and friends, keeping his legacy alive.

Duane is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Anderson; children Nancy (Dan) Siefert, Dale (Amy) Anderson all of Rock Creek, Jeanne (John) Philipsen of North Branch; daughter-in-law Marion Reitan of Pine City; 11 grandchildren: Cody Siefert, Emily (Gaige) Mosher, Caleb Anderson, Olivia Anderson, Owen Anderson, Janinie Philipsen, Joe Philipsen, Becky Surdey, Jennifer Lacey, Kelly (Glen) Brynteson, Amy Reitan; 7 great-grandchildren: Ashley, Alex, Erica, Thiele, Warren, Talen, Jemma; sisters Margaret Marty (Dean Madison) and Lorraine Marty all of Rock Creek; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence W. and Victoria Anderson; son Brad Anderson; grandsons Matthew Siefert, Mitchell Siefert; sister Doris (Bob) Behrendt-Wolf; brothers-in-law Gaylon Marty, Gordon Marty.

A Celebration of Duane’s life is planned for: 7:30 PM; Monday (2/11/19) with a gathering of family and friends from 3-8 PM at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City.

A gathering at the Anderson farm of family and friends is planned for Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 12 Noon - 5 PM to remember and celebrate Duane in his favorite place!  54433 Forest Blvd. Rush City, MN  55069  www.andersonsrockcreekrelics.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel www.FuneralAndCremationService.com