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Michael Robert Anderson of North Branch passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on October 29, 2024.  

Mike was born to Willard and Velma Anderson on August 18, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN.  He grew up in White Bear Lake.  He enlisted into the US Navy on June 28, 1962 (he was only 17 at the time).  He was aboard the USS Kearsarge from June 1963 to August 1965. He received the armed forces expeditionary medal for his service in the Vietnam War.  He was on reserve status after that and honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1968.  

After his tour of duty, he met and married the love of his life, Shirlee.  They were married on February 3, 1967, in Forest Lake, MN.  They soon had four children and made their permanent home in North Branch, MN.  He retired from the masonry field in his 50’s after an injury prevented him from working. In his spare time, he loved watching football, especially the Vikings. He also loved playing poker and would do so every Sunday with his kids and grandkids on “old fart day.”  He went by many names – old fart, grandpa, dad, Mikey, Mickey, uncle Mike, and was loved by many family and friends.  

He is survived by his children, Shelly, Shane, Melanie (Derek) Adams and Chad; grandchildren, Michael, Ashley, Kevin, Dallas, Marinna, Luke, Colby, Carlee, Levi; great grandchildren Iylee, Cian, Carson, Kalyrra, Aubrey, Paislee, Zarek, Gavin, Nova, Owen, (one on the way); and siblings, Will, Jerry, Nancy, Debbie, Pam, and Tim.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee; his parents, Willard and Velma and his brother, Dennis.

The family would love for you to come and share your memories with us.  

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Weber, MN, on Friday, November 8, 2024 with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery immediately after the service.  A luncheon will be provided at the church after the service.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and cremation service in North Branch. Condolences may be expressed online at www. grandstrandfh.com.

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