Posted: 8/14/02

Almer Anderson served his country well

Branden Peterson

Staff Writer

Almer ìAlî Anderson gladly moved to Forest Lake with a big smile on his face in 1987. His new backyard came with some lakeshore. He grabbed his fishing pole, revved his boat, and headed to deeper waters. It was fishing time. Ý

ìHe always wanted to be by the lake,î former wife Elizabeth Anderson explained why the couple moved to Forest Lake. ìHeíd go out at 3 a.m. and he'd be out there all day, but he wouldn't come back until he caught his limit.î Ý

The decorated Korean War veteran died of cancer on Saturday, August 3, at age 70 in Pine City.Ý

Anderson was born December 18, 1931. He spent his school years in South St. Paul. At age 17, Anderson left home to join the United States Army. The year was 1949, and Anderson was sent overseas where he would later serve in Korea and Japan for three years. Ý

A controlled-yet-fiery individual, Anderson became a hero while insideÝEast AsianÝjungles. During a counterattack, a U.S. light machine gun was captured by the enemy, Anderson managed to move within a dozen feet of the captured weapon despite heavy fire. He tossed several grenades inside the machine gun encampment, clearing the weapon of the enemy, and regained control of the dangerous weapon.

His courageous efforts in the attack awarded Anderson with the Silver Star.

He continued to serve in the region until an unfortunate encounter with a landmine nearly cost Anderson his arm. Ý Thanks to a daring Japanese doctorís successful attempt to save the arm, Anderson was able to fully recover and return to the United States with both arms in full working order. Ý

The United States military later awarded Anderson with three prestigious awards for his brave and heroic actions in the region: a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and the bronze medal of honor.

With a desire to disconnect himself with the tragic sights and sounds of war, Anderson said this heroic man kept quiet about his days overseas.

ìHe never really talked about it. It was the war, and he wanted to forget about it,î she said.

Upon arriving back home in 1954, Anderson attended vocational school in Iowa. Becoming educated in mechanical and electrical engineering, Anderson returned to St. Paul to begin work for ISD #622. He spent many of those years as a boiler engineer at North St. Paul High School. Ý

Anderson married Elizabeth Anderson in 1972, and the couple later moved to Oakdale. The couple remained there for 10 years, finally moving to Forest Lake in 1987.

In marriage to Elizabeth, Anderson became step-father to seven children, Ann Marie, Butch, Ricky, Wendy, Judy, Deidre and Tamara. Ý

The couple would divorce in 1998, where Anderson remained in Forest Lake. Ý

Almer Anderson was a member of Forest Lake American Legion Post #225.

Andersonís battle with cancer began one year ago, as a result of many years working with asbestos.

He proceeded to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where a surgery attempted to remove the cancer, however showing the disease had spread. Ý

Anderson began living with daughter Deidre in Pine City after learning of the seriousness of the disease one year ago. He passed away there with close relatives and friends at his side. Ý

A graveside service was Friday, August 9, at St. Michaelís Cemetery, Bayport.

He is survived by Elizabeth Anderson, Oakdale; daughters, Deidre (Brian) Groschen, Pine City, Tamara (Tim), Serbus, IN, and other step-children; sisters, Colleen (Jack) French, Plymouth, Yvonne (Keith), Ramswick, Rush City.

He was preceded in death by sister, Evelyn Erickson, and brother, Ernest.Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý

Memorials are preferred to Allina Hospice.

Top of Page