William "Rock" Anderson

William Jay “Rock” Anderson, the son of Theodore and Dorothy Anderson, was born on July 3, 1922, in Wadena, MN.  Rock graduated from Wadena High School and continued his education at Carlton College.  He enlisted into the United States Air Force for three years during WWII.  After the war, he completed his college degree at Carlton College and then received his teaching certificate from the University of Minnesota.

Rock married Mary Lou Fallon on December 27, 1949, in St. Paul, MN. Together they lived in Sebeka, MN where Rock taught history and coached at the high school.  In 1953, Rock and his family moved to Alexandria where he owned and operated W.J. Anderson Feed & Seed for 20 years.  He later became the Douglas County Auditor and retired in the early 90’s.

Rock kept involved in the Alexandria community by volunteering as a fireman for 22 years, he sat on the City Council of Alexandria and was proud of 50 years of perfect attendance in Rotary.  He was a member of the Alexandria Golf Club for over 50 years, loved to play golf, followed all Minnesota sports teams, and attended daily Mass.

Rock always thought of others first and in 1975, he donated his kidney to his daughter Nancy.  She was able to live a wonderful life because of his gift.  He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

William J. "Rock" Anderson, age 99, of Alexandria, died on Friday, August 13, 2021, at his home in Nelson Gables in Alexandria.  He is survived by his loving wife of almost 72 years, Mary Lou Anderson of Alexandria; son, William J. (Bill) Anderson Jr. of Bloomington; daughter, Carole Anderson of Alexandria; two grandchildren, Adam Lee and Jamie Weflen; four great grandchildren, Kyndra Lee, Jacob Lee, Gavin Lee, and Asher Weflen.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Nancy Lee, and his sister Betty Beach.

A visitation will take place on Monday, August 16, 2021, at the Anderson Funeral Home from 5-8PM with a 5 PM Parish Prayer Service.

A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria.

Entombment will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.