Donavon Carroll Anderson was born on June 8, 1929, on the family farm in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Harry and Isabelle (Jenson) Anderson. He graduated from St. James High School in 1946 and later served in the U.S. Army National Guard during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. On May 26, 1951, he married Genevieve Ann Berger in New Ulm, Minnesota. The couple lived briefly in Alabama during his military activation before returning to St. James to raise their family.
Donavon worked in construction with DBL Construction, co-owned Anderson Furniture & Carpet, and operated the Sears Catalog Store. He remained an active member of his community through the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Rotary Club, VFW, and American Legion, where he served as Commander. He took quiet pleasure in card games, bird watching, making wine and root beer, gardening, and tackling projects around the house. Above all, he enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with remodeling and personal endeavors, always greeting others with a warm smile.
He is survived by his children, Richard (Cyndy) Anderson of Dickson, Tennessee, Mary Jo Sandmeyer of St. James, Kathy (Ron) Yff of Avon, Minnesota, and Denise (Jeff) Poetter of Eagan, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Marcia Johnson of Lawrence, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 58 years, Genevieve; his parents; step-father, Emil Tande; infant brother; son-in-law, Larry Sandmeyer; and brother-in-law, Rodger Johnson.
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