Oscar J. Anderson

Funeral services for Oscar Anderson, age 83, of Milaca, will be held on Friday, August 23 at 11 AM at Milaca Alliance Church (12543 State Hwy 23, Milaca, MN 56353) with Rev. Don Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM Thursday at the Milaca Alliance Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Oscar J. Anderson was born at home in Milaca to Samuel and Marion (Mathis) Anderson on December 30, 1929. He passed from this life into eternal life on Monday, August 19, 2013, doing what he loved to do most – farming. Oscar graduated from Milaca High School in 1947. He drove gas transport for Dahlin Transport and worked on his dad’s farm. Oscar was in the US Army serving from January 16, 1951 to October 2, 1952 as a Master Sergeant in Korea. Oscar saw heavy action as a tank commander in the Army National Guard when he was petitioned to the 25th Infantry Division of the 89th Tank Battalion. He received the Bronze Star as well as other medals. He married Peggy Jennison on March 17, 1956. Oscar rented the dairy farm from his folks and later bought the 120 acre farm and expanded it to 280 acres, on which he and Peggy reside. He was the State Outstanding Young Farmer in 1960. He served on the Foreston Creamery Board for three years, ACS board for several years, Milaca and Fairview Hospital Boards for twenty-two years, First Baptist Church trustee for over fifteen years and was a 4-H leader. Oscar was also very involved with the Red Cross and donated over 18 gallons of blood. He was a life time member of the Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #198 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794 in Milaca and a member of the Last Man’s Club. For many years, he led the Milaca Honor Guard recognizing veterans’ service to our country. He served as commander of the Legion in 2001 and 2002 following the footsteps of his father, who was a previous commander and his mother, who was a Legion auxillary president. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Peggy; four children, Sue (Paul) Gerten of Farmington, MN, Amy Mackey of Tonka Bay, MN, Sam (Brenda) Anderson of Rosemount, Lori (Maurie) Steinley of Lakeville, MN; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild due in October; brother, Jarvis; sister, Ruth; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lawrence and sister, Iris. Oscar’s presence will be missed by his family and community.