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In memory of

Paul Anderson

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at St. Mary's Healthcare Center in Pierre at the age of 94

Paul A. Anderson was born January 28, 1915, at rural Draper, South Dakota, the son of Peter and Ida (Kaasa) Anderson. He grew up on a farm north of Draper in Jones County, attended Spears School for eight years, and graduated from Murdo High School in 1932. He farmed several years with his dad and brother, Walter, before going to work for the State Highway in 1940. In 1947, he joined Francis Plumbing and Ditching company, later becoming a partner. In 1967 he became the Water Superintendent for the City of Murdo, retiring from that position in 1978.
On June 11, 1943, Paul was united in marriage to Marjorie Mills in the Lutheran parsonage at Presho, South Dakota. They have made their home in Murdo since then and operated the Anderson Motel after his retirement until 1994.
Paul was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, Murdo School Board member for 15 years, a volunteer fireman for 50 years, and a Lions Club member since 1965. In 1983, he wrote his lifetime recollections, “As I Remember It”.
Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Murdo; two sons Walter Anderson and his wife Dina of Rapid City, and Jim Anderson and his wife Joan of Eureka; one daughter Linda Nill and her husband Ed of Pierre; two grandchildren Sarah Anderson of Eureka, and Rob Nill and his wife Beth of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; one great-grandchild Owen Nill, of Beaver Dam; two sister-in-laws Dorothy Ellis of Chamberlain, South Dakota, and Winona Cerveny of Sacramento, California; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Walter and George Anderson; and four sisters Edna Liffengren, Sally Orr, Esther Kruse, and Irene Andersen. 
Visitation was held 7-9 p.m. CST on Friday, November 6, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. CST Saturday, November 7, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.
Interment was in the Murdo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit the Jones county Seniors for Service and the Messiah Lutheran Church. 

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, November 7, 2009 - 10:30 a.m. CST
Messiah Lutheran Church
Murdo, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ray Greenseth
MUSIC
Gen Liffengren - Organist
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
REGISTER BOOK ATTENDANT
Jean Kinsley
USHERS
Dr. Kip Kinsley - Dean Faber
PALLBEARERS
Bob Totton - Carl Moore
Howard Peters - Jim Butt
Gary Jorgensen - Dave Geisler
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives & Friends In Attendance
INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

Visitation:  7-9 p.m. CDT Friday, November 6, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo.
Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. CDT Saturday, November 7, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo.
Interment: Murdo Cemetery.

  • Marj, Walt, Jim, & Linda--
    So sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. I remember him as he worked with my father at Francis Plumbing, and then involved with the organization of the Senior Citizen Center. My mother also worked with him with the school board and with the Senior Center. May the joys outweigh the sorrow of this time.
    Don Nash     ~ Don Nash Brookings, SD (11/4/2009)
  • Marj, Walt, Jim, & Linda:
    Please accept our sympathy and heart felt condolences on the passing of your husband and father Paul.
    I remember him as a very caring individual with the compassion of a saint.
    Don said it best may the memories of the good times far outweigh all of the sorrows that you feel.
    You will be in our prayers as you go through this season.
    May God bless and be near you during these times.
    With Love Chris & Belva     ~ Chris & Belva Anderson Spearfish, SD (11/4/2009)
  • We are thinking of your family as we remember the wonderful life of Paul. What a great photo and tribute to him. We learned much about his life that we did not know. I am sorry that we were not at Murdo to share the day with you on Saturday, but am happy that it was such a lovely one for Paul's earthly farewell. ~ Van & Marcia Johnson Jackson, MN (11/4/2009)