John Robert Anderson of Silver Bay, MN died January 7, 2025, at Beehive Assisted Living, in Duluth, MN. He was born July 19, 1938, in Muscatine, Iowa to Andrew and Freda (Swanson) Anderson. He moved to Palisade, Minnesota in 1947. He attended Palisade grade school and graduated from Aitkin High School in 1956.
John was united in marriage to Darlene Tibbetts on May 11, 1957, in Aitkin, Minnesota. He worked for Northern Service Garage and Woodland Container in Aitkin. The family moved to Silver Bay, Minnesota in 1960. John worked for Reserve Mining Company for 26 years. When the taconite plant started again, he worked for 11 years for Cyprus and Northshore Mining Company. He retired from Northshore Mining in 2001. John also worked part-time for many years for North Shore Oil. He served on the Beaver Bay Township Board where he was the clerk. He was a board member and one of the first to help start the Sawtooth Mountain Cemetery. He played a key role in organizing the Palisade Head Recreation Center, creating a joyous space where neighborhood kids and families could come together and thrive.
He enjoyed snowmobiling and 4-wheeling with the Wrinkle Riders Club. He also liked growing flowers, camping, ice fishing, and playing cribbage.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene in February 2004; a son, Michael in October 2010; two brothers, Elmer and Roy; his parents; and a nephew, Dennis Anderson.
He is survived by his partner Karon Engman, of Saginaw, MN; a daughter, Donna (Galen) Goutermont of Sequim, WA; a son, Scott Anderson (Holly) of Silver Bay, MN; three grandchildren, Kristine Collins (Tylor Stankey) of Casper, WY, Brandi Reyes (Julio) of Reno, NV, and Pete Anderson (Danielle) of Casper, WY; Nine great-grandchildren; a nephew, David Anderson (Regina) of Muscatine, Iowa; and one niece, Jennine Johnson of Iowa.
Per his wishes, a private service will be held at Sawtooth Mountain Cemetery at a later date, allowing for a moment of peace and reflection with loved ones.
Arrangements are by The Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth Chapel, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN.
John Robert Anderson of Silver Bay, MN died January 7, 2025, at Beehive Assisted Living, in Duluth, MN. He was born July 19, 1938,
