Willard G. Anderson

Willard G. Anderson age 88 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Sunday August 1, 2010 at The Cottage at Emmanuel Community. Willie Anderson was born on July 25, 1922 in Blackduck, MN to George and Lena Swanberg Anderson. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from Blackduck High School in 1940. In 1941 he signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played minor league baseball until he was drafted by the Army in 1943. He served in the 9th Infantry Division in France, Belgium, and Germany. He was wounded in action and became a POW. He received two purple hearts and a bronze star. Following his discharge he returned to Blackduck, where he worked and played baseball. On March 29, 1947 he was united in marriage to Vienna Wart in Little Fork, MN. They made their home in Blackduck. In 1949 they moved to Detroit Lakes, where Willie played baseball and started his career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, where he worked for the next 35 years. Willie Loved golfing, hunting, fishing, and crossword puzzles. He loved Detroit Lakes and treasured the many friendships he made over the years. He is survived by his wife, Vienna; two daughters, Shirley Lueck, of Detroit Lakes, MN; Bonnie (Larry) Mickle, of Richfield, MN; Grandson, Joseph Mickle; two brothers, Ronald (Sharon) Anderson and Robert Anderson; one sister, Norma Peterson, of Antioch, Illinois; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters.