Lawrence Anderson

Lawrence (Larry) Roger Anderson, beloved father, son, brother and friend, passed away in Arizona February 7, 2020 after a brief illness. A celebration of Lawrence’s life and burial will be held August 14 at 1 p.m. at the West Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church, 1351 Elon Drive, Waterville.

Lawrence was born in Waukon to Gladys and Rudolf Anderson, joining his older brother, John Anderson, and later siblings Rudy Anderson and Karen Soper.

Lawrence grew up on the family farm and spent his early years helping out with farm chores, playing basketball and studying. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1953 at the age of 17 and talked his parents into signing the waiver allowing him to enlist in the Air Force. Lawrence served in the Korean War and enjoyed sharing many stories from his time in the Air Force. He was proud to serve his country and strongly identified as a veteran.

Upon leaving the Air Force in 1957, Lawrence was urged by his Aunt Borghild to attend college and get an education using his GI bill education benefit. This started Lawrence’s lifelong love of learning and service as an educator. Lawrence graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and a Master’s degree in Education.

After teaching for three years, Lawrence applied and was accepted to the preeminent education university, George Peabody College for Teachers (Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, TN. In 1971, Lawrence defended his dissertation and earned a PhD in Urban Renewal.

Lawrence returned to Minnesota and served as a distinguished professor of Educational Administration at Moorhead State University until his retirement in 1996. His love of education positively influenced many teachers, superintendents, principals and young people to pursue careers in education.

In 1958, Lawrence married Judith Marshall and they shared daughters Lori Pillatzke (married to Otto) of Olathe, KS and Lisa May (married to Gary) of Hermosa Beach, CA. Lawrence loved his daughters and was a proud father and father-in-law celebrating their many accomplishments in life.

Lawrence had six grandchildren, James, Nicole, Thomas and Joshua Pillatzke, and Fiona and Lillian May, in addition to seven great-grandchildren. Lawrence enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and could be found getting updates on swim meets, cheer competition, collecting art books or planning to attend their graduations.

Lawrence met Holly Wold in Harpers Ferry. Lawrence and Holly enjoyed their time together and spent many summers in Harpers Ferry on the Mississippi River and winters in Arizona.

Lawrence was a lifelong Democrat and proud to call many prominent politicians from Minnesota as friends and colleagues. Lawrence lived his life curious and striving for ways to make the world a better place. He would love to debate and discuss the current state of politics with friends and family representing both sides of the political spectrum and always listened and respected everyone’s perspective.

Lawrence was an avid reader and collector of books in addition to being an Estate Sale junkie. He loved the hunt for a great bargain or rare item.

Lawrence is survived by many lifelong friends and family members, including his daughters and their families; his brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Beverly Anderson of El Segundo, CA and Rudy and Peggy Anderson of Carson, CA; his sister, Karen Soper of Harpers Ferry; his nephews and nieces, John A. Anderson of El Segundo, CA, Shannon Hartman of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Shawn Anderson of Santa Monica, CA, Jared Soper of Waukon and Kari Rea of Cedar Falls; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and Holly Wold and her children, Mike, Andy and Teresa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Rudolf Anderson; his brother-in-law, Gary Soper; and many close aunts, uncles and cousins.