Tragedy ended reunion plans for Andersons

Douglas and Diane Anderson planned to attend our 40th Class Reunion Aug. 6 in Nelson. They ordered their tickets and sent a cheerful note to the blog, telling of their 31 years of marriage and the wonderful family they had raised. "We'll see you at the reunion!" they promised.

Tragically, that was not to be. On July 31, their eldest son, Douglas E. Anderson II, was killed in a car crash in the Alexandria area.
Doug was born December 28, 1974 in Fridley to Douglas and Diane (Anderson) Anderson. Doug was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Robbinsdale/Cooper High School in 1993. After high school he married Kathryn Wilson on September 8, 1995 in Brooklyn Park. Together they had two daughters.

Excellent father, son and friend.
Doug worked in construction, water proofing basements and making cabinets in Lino Lakes. He moved to Lowry and began his own business – Douglas Anderson Dry Wall. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He loved spending time with his daughters and family. He was an excellent father, son and friend. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Douglas and Diane Anderson of Crystal; significant other, Kathryn Anderson of Lowry; daughters; Kayla and Amanda Anderson of Lowry; maternal great-grandmother, Evelyn Gibbs of Sacramento, California; paternal grandmother, Mary Anderson of Alexandria; brothers, Brian Anderson of Lowry and John Anderson of Crystal; sisters, Kimberle Anderson and husband, Lance Brainard of Glenwood, and Shannon Anderson of Las Vegas, Nevada.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Funeral services were held August 5 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. William F. Moeller officiating. Organist was Irma Brockberg and soloist was Dan Olson. Interment was at Geneva Cemetery. Casket bearers were Brian Anderson, John Anderson, Tim Conner, Bill Rawlings, Chad Abts and Alexander Brainard.
Few members of our class have experienced the loss of a child. Only those who have can know of the profound sense of loss the Andersons must experience now. Our deepest sympathies go out to them and their families as they endure this sorrow.
(Obituary information taken from EchoPress web site)