Russel Gerhardt Anderson, of Gonvick, MN passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the age of 83 and 364 days at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Fosston, MN.  It’s true what others day, you can pass away from a broken heart and the loss of visiting with friends and loved one on a daily basis. 

A memorial gathering being planned in the spring of 2021 when friends and family can gather safely and celebrate Russel. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements. To honor Russel, teach your kids to respect bus drivers.

Russel was born on December 14, 1936 to the parents of Carl and Annie (Holte) Anderson.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a lifelong member of Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, MN.

He attended Gonvick public school and graduated with the class of 1956.  After graduation, he moved to Montana for a couple of years for work and to spend time with his brother John and Shirley Anderson family.

He returned to Minnesota and joined the MN Army National Guard from Sept. 1959 to Sept. 1962.  He was a member of the Gonvick American Legion for the last 50+ years and a proud veteran. 

Russel, alongside his brother Charles, worked and lived on the Anderson family farm by Pine Lake; with dairy cows, hay and grain crops, the brothers kept busy over the years.  Especially when the Severson nieces and nephews were around to go camping, fishing and sharing their farm life.  Many happy memories were made with family gatherings at the farm.  They both were friends and good neighbors to all, helping out to whomever may be needed. 

Russel also worked at the Sunflower plant and lumberyard in Gonvick and for the city of Gonvick as a maintenance man.  The best part of his life was the 29 years he spent as a bus driver for the Gonvick-Trail school district between 1970 to 1999.  There were many times that his school bus was late to school or kids home late as he would “pull this bus over to the side of the road till you all behaved”.  Russel fondly recalled stories of his ”little bus brats” over the years; he was also presented with a golden spit ball upon his retirement, showing that the kids that rode on his bus trips, appreciated him also. 

Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, watching the MN Twins and Vikings, watching old westerns and listening to country music on his radio, especially to Lynn Anderson.  Along with his brother Charles, they went on many road trips, which led them to a local livestock sale, auction sale, casino or into the Gonvick Café.  Charles and Russel made many life-long friendships along the way.  He was our town and family historian, sharing memories of many adventures over the years. 

Russel had many dickering conversations with Enbridge Energy about the property/farm, since 1964. 

He is survived by his nieces and nephews – Delores (Stanley) Sundquist, Debbie Severson-Edevold, Lori Severson, Jane (Jeff) Jorgenson, Kari (Tom) Vinson, Roby (Sheryl) Severson, Randy (Janet) Severson, Dave (June) Severson, Jeff Anderson, God-daughter – Dawn (Terry) Sundquist Hawk.  Numerous great nieces and great nephews, cousins, family, friends, his former “bus brats” Kandi and all of his friends at the café. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother – Charles Anderson, John (Shirley) Anderson.  Sister – Ann (Bud) Severson, nephews – Dick Anderson and Richie Severson. 

Family would like to extend a special Thank you to the staff and residents at Cornerstone Assisted Living Center in Fosston, where Russel had resided since November of 2017.  We appreciate your kindness and care of Russell. 

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com