Leonard Anderson

LEONARD WILLIAM ANDERSON July 25, 1925 - December 9, 2014 Leonard William Anderson, age 89, a long time Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Leonard was born on July 25, 1925 in Menahga, MN to William and Agnes (Knudson) Anderson. He attended the Menahga Public School, graduating from high school with the Class of 1943. After graduation, Leonard entered the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served in the South Pacific Theatre of WW II. He bravely fought in many major battles; including: Guam, Marianas Island, Iwo Jima and Volcano Island as a member of the elite fighting force, Carlson's Raiders. He received his honorable discharge in January of 1946 from the Marine Corps. He returned home to Menahga and was married to his sweetheart, Emma Junes on January 17, 1947. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Linda and William "Billy". Leonard reenlisted in the Navy where he served until being honorably discharged in September of 1948. He then joined the Army where he proudly served his country as an army ranger until his discharge in June of 1949. Leonard then moved with his young wife to St. Cloud where he attended St. Cloud State University where he earned his bachelors degree. After college, Leonard and Emma moved to California where he worked as a buyer for the Weinstock Department Store. They made their home in Eureka, CA until 1969 when they returned home to Menahga. Leonard worked in sales for the Tex Tan Leather Company covering the states of South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. He semi-retired in the early 90's. Leonard continued to keep busy by selling men's clothing at the Norby Department Store in Detroit Lakes. He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Emma in 2006. His life was further saddened by the death of his daughter, Linda in 2011. In addition, he had previously lost a grand daughter, Trisha who died tragically in an automobile accident. Leonard loved the North woods and especially enjoyed fishing. Over the years he made 45 trips to a fly-in fishing resort in Canada with his brother and fishing partner, David. Leonard and Emma enjoyed spending a number of winters in Texas. Each spring he enjoyed raising a large vegetable garden into fruitful abundance and his flower beds into colorful splendor. He also enjoyed back yard barbeques and was famous for his delicious barbequed chicken. Leonard spent his final five years fighting the debilitating disease, Alzheimers at Green Pine Acres in Menahga where he received excellent care from the staff who appreciated his pleasant attitude and acceptance of his fate while maintaining a sense of humor. The loving care demonstrated by the home's staff was deeply appreciated and comforting to his family. Above all, Leonard devoted himself to his family who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Billy of Menahga; his grand daughter, Taylor Starr of Duluth; his brother, David (Lorelie) Anderson of Hastings as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lillian; his wife, Emma; his daughter, Linda and his grand daughter, Trisha. A memorial service is being planned for a later date