Obituary of Joseph Dickson Anderson

Joseph Dickson Anderson, age 82, of Eagan, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury. He died with family at his side.

Joe (Dick, to his family) was born in Owatonna on November 25th, 1942. He was the second of nine children born to Donald and Inez (Dickson) Anderson. Joe married Nancy Buchner on April 18, 1964.

Joe grew up in North St. Paul and he and his siblings roamed the hills, neighborhoods and Lakes DeMontreville and Olson. He graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1961 and went on to attend a year at the University of Minnesota where he met Nancy. He worked for most of his career at Hoerner Waldorf which was Rock Ten when he retired.

Golf was a lifelong passion of Joe’s and most of his siblings as well. He and many of his brothers were caddies at Hillcrest and Keller Golf Courses. Joe went on to work and play for many years after retirement at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley. He was president of the Valleywood Men’s Club in 2000 and in 2013 was awarded the Ron Self Award by the Minnesota Public Golf Association for being a golfer who most symbolizes, through their active involvement, the enthusiastic spirit of public golf in Minnesota. This is considered a lifetime achievement award. 

Joe is survived by daughters, Sarah (Jim) Diebel, Leah (Tim) Gilgenbach, granddaughters Elise and Jessa Diebel and grandson Brett Anderson. He is also survived by siblings: Susan Archer, Eric (Geraldine Urbanski), Greg (Joyce), Mary (Bob Meischke) Curtiss, Beatrice (Jim) Sanders, Raoul (Lori) and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by in death by his parents, wife Nancy, daughter Skye, and brothers, Jon and Mark.

He received loving care in his last illness, and it must be said that his daughter Leah and her husband were selfless in their care and advocacy for him. He was also supported during his illness by his grandson Brett and daughter Sarah.

Celebration Gathering of Joe’s Life is on June 7, 2025 from 3-7pm, at the Cremation Society of MN, 1979 Old Hudson Road, St. Paul. (651) 212-4030

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Second Harvest Heartland or to the donor’s charity of choice.