H. Richard Anderson, the son of Harold T. and Ann (Hunter) Anderson was born April 8, 1936 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 79 years on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at his home under the care of his family and hospice.

Richard was raised in the home of his parents in Maddock, North Dakota until the age of 9 when his folks purchased the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby from his grandfather, John E. Anderson.  Richard grew up in funeral service under the influence of his father and grandfather, started answering the phones at 11, delivered a baby as a young teenager in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and most of all learned the principals of giving from the heart and doing the best possible for families no matter their situation in life.  While growing up he could always been seen with his best friend and protector, his German Shepherd, Major. His uncle Willard Anderson was like a second Dad and he enjoyed helping him with his furniture store, on his farm and taking care of his Arabian horses.  Richard graduated from Rugby High School, the class of 1954.  While in high school, he excelled in athletics and science.  Following his graduation, Richard attended Concordia College.  On September 7, 1955 he was inducted into the U.S. Army as served as an Artillery Communications Specialist until his honorable discharge on June 6, 1957.  He returned home following his discharge and completed his education at Minot State College, where he enjoyed membership in the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Richard joined his father in the family business as a partner following college and purchased it in 1967.  In addition to the work load of funeral service, he was very active in civic organizations and fondly remembered his tenure with the Rugby Jaycee’s.  He served as the sexton of Persilla Watts Cemetery for over 35 years, a position that John E. and Harold Anderson had also done, enjoyed pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota and fishing trips to Canada with friends, hunting trips with his boys, doting on Hallie, was member of the Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 of Rugby, serving as its Post Commander a number of times and other offices and had served as the North Dakota American Legion’s 3^rd District Commander and was a member of First Lutheran Church, and the Harvey and Rugby Eagles.  Richard retired from funeral service at the age of 70.  On December 20, 2013 he was united in marriage to Arliss Halvorson in Rugby where they made their home.

Richard enjoyed bowling leagues, a good steak, caring for others, conversations with anyone, playing cards and being a host to many, including his annual Super Bowl party and the weekly without fail, poker night.  He was once married to Luella Saude and Sharon K. Erickson.

Survivors include his wife, Arliss; his children, David J. “DJ” (Melissa) of Rugby, Mitchell (Yon) of Fargo, Chad of Williston, Ryan of Firestone, Colorado and Hallie Anderson of Towner; 7 grandchildren, Kyle, Jane, Elizabeth, Konnor, Noah, Kooper and Ryley Anderson; a sister, Muriel (Burton) Underdal of Sun City West, Arizona; a cousin, Felice Anderson of Rugby; brothers & sisters-in-law, Ardell & Linda Halvorson of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Curt & Pam Halvorson of Ft. Dodge, Iowa and Frances Halvorson of Richardton, Texas; other relatives and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 29^th at the First Lutheran Church in Rugby, Pastor Sharon Baker, officiating.  Burial will be in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby with military honors accorded by the Clarence Larson
American Legion Post # 23 Honor & Color Guard of Rugby and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the church with a time of prayer and sharing of memories beginning at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Friday.