Donald E. Anderson's Obituary
Donald E. Anderson went to be with the Lord on December 24, 2015, in Tacoma, from a sudden illness, at the age of 93.
He was born in Leonard, ND, on September 15, 1922, the 5th of 6 children. His family moved to Jamestown, ND, the hometown of his favorite author, Louis L’Amour. In 1937 the family moved again and followed their Uncle Ronald to Longview, WA, where Don graduated from RA Long High School in 1941. He was a gifted athlete in tennis, swimming, and baseball. He was a proud owner of a car that anyone could start with a screwdriver. After graduation he attended Lower Columbia Junior College. He developed his love of trees and wood, working with his father at Anderson’s Woodmill. Don was then accepted into the Navy V12 program at the University of Washington. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He obtained a degree in Mathematics and went to Cornell University for Midshipman School. While at the U of W he met Elaine Thoreson who was selling magazine subscriptions for the U of W Columns magazine. Don obtained Elaine’s phone number by claiming he had no money to buy a subscription and that he would call her later and bring her money for a subscription. Elaine thought Don was boring on the first date. However, he became less boring and his persistence paid off. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 19, 2015.
Don deployed with the Navy to the Philippines five days after their wedding in 1945. Upon his return, he worked for Boeing for a brief time, translating German scientific rocket documents. He went back to the U of W where he received his second of three degrees, this time in Mechanical Engineering. He taught at Oregon State and received a Master’s in Metallurgical Engineering. Don and Elaine built their first home of 900 square feet in Corvallis where their first child, Christine, was born. In 1951 the young Anderson family moved to Eugene, OR, where Don returned to working at a private sawmill. He was recruited by Weyerhaeuser Company to come and work in Tacoma. It was during this time, in 1953, that Don and Elaine lost a child, baby Karen, just a few days before she was born. Weyerhaeuser moved Don and his family back to Longview to work as a metallurgical engineer. They built another home where they lived for several years. In Longview Don was the President of Jaycees and had the enviable position of being in charge of 4th of July fireworks. While in Longview, the family grew with the addition of Neil. Then it was back to Tacoma to work for Weyerhaeuser. During this time the family grew again with the addition of Arne. They built another home that was featured in the News Tribune for its modern design. Weyerhaeuser moved the family again to Ft. Wayne, IN, where Don worked as a consultant to Magnavox. Don temporarily sought greener pastures with NuTone in North Vernon, IN, where they stayed for several months and acquired their dog, Rebel, who came with the house. While in North Vernon, the family learned the art of scientific experimentation while breeding fruit flies, growing crystals, and tick removal. The grass was not so green with NuTone. Don went back to work for Weyerhaeuser. In 1964 they moved the family back to Tacoma where they have lived for the last 51 years.
Don was always active in many organizations and activities. He was a gifted and skilled public speaker and served as District Governor for Toastmasters. He served in many areas for the Sons of Norway, Norden Lodge 2-002, serving as their President, fundraiser and “bacon maker.” He and Elaine were active in politics and served as Precinct Committeeman, never missed voting in an election. Don and Elaine attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church for over 50 years. He served in many roles at Emmanuel, including: Past President, one of the first Bethel Bible teachers, Property Committee and Board of Elders. He was also President of the Board of Trustees for Tacoma Community College and served on the Selective Service Board. He taught weather classes for the Tacoma Power Squadron. Don was a lifelong learner, from researching the history of the Sons of Norway to how to cut and polish rocks.
Don was well known for his sense of humor and was always ready with an “Ole and Lena” story. He made friends wherever he went and loved to meet someone new. He was warm, caring and took the time to learn everyone’s name. His wisdom and experience were cherished by many family and friends who would often seek his counsel.
One of Don’s favorite activities was going to their beach place on Key Peninsula. He was always clearing, building, tinkering and fixing while out there. He built decks, bulkheads, and floats for the family, children and grandchildren to enjoy. In his 80’s he was still clearing brush from the steep bank.
His parents, four siblings (Ruth, Maxine, Flora, and Bill), and one daughter preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his sister, Suzanne (Anderson) Kelley of Longview and his children: Christine of University Place, Neil (and Tammy) of Kirkland, and Arne (and Jenny) of Gaithersburg, MD. He and Elaine have four grandchildren: Katie, Bethany, Nicholas and Kristofer.
Don loved his Lord, his wife, his family and his friends. His humor, wisdom and strength will be deeply missed.
Remembrances can be made in Don’s name to the Memorial fund at Emmanuel Lutheran Church or to Norden Lodge 2-002, Sons of Norway Scholarship fund.
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