Richard Anderson

We are saddened to announce the death of Richard C. “Dick” Anderson on April 24, 2020.

Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Edith Anderson; Aunt Fran Slennes; mother in-law Mildred Finton, father in-law Wayne Finton, sister in-law, Connie Felson; infant granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Banz.  Loving husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle and a friend to so many.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley “Peg”; children, Julie (Rich)Banz, Mike (Shelly) Anderson, Cheryl (Dave) Stramel, Bruce (Ania)Anderson; grandchildren, Sean (Abby) Anderson, Matt Banz, Kristen (JJ) Hornung, Katy (Jason) Weber, Rachael (Shawn) Fitzgerald, Erica Anderson (Jayden Kovarik), Michaela Banz (Grant Wintheiser), Madeline Banz; great-grandchildren, Calvin and Mila Anderson, Harrison Hornung, Eleanor Fitzgerald, and Alvin, Bobby and Mrs. Beasley.

Dick was born and raised in St. Paul, MN.  He graduated from Wilson High School in 1950.  He went to Hamline University for a year and then went into the service.  He served in the Army for two years and shortly after he returned, he met Shirley Finton.  They married and raised their family in St. Paul.

Dick retired from American Hoist and Derrick as a traffic manager, a job he loved, and made so many life-long friends, especially John DeWitt.  Dad always had a way with words when trying to give advice, like, “not everyone can take the pressure and tension of the corporate structure,” or “sometimes you just need Four C’s and an S – Communication, Coordination, Cooperation and a little Common Sense.”  But the most important lesson, is to “always have nice table manners.”

He also worked part time at the MN State Fair, but once he retired from American Hoist and Derrick, he worked alongside Dan Elmer, who had the vision to create and develop the Park and Ride system for the MN State Fair.  After Dan retired, Dick took over as the Superintendent and continued Dan’s vision to expand service much like it is today.  Everyone, and we mean everyone, knew Dick at the Fair.  When he retired (again), from the MN State Fair, he had worked at the fair for over 50 years and will forever be known as the “12 Day Guy!”

While he loved working at the State Fair and at the Hoist, the true loves of his life were his family and of course, sports!  He would “give the shirt off his back” to anyone, even though his kids would give him a “Mr. Misty headache” or would come up with “more excuses than Carter has pills” for not doing their chores.  A true sports fan, he did not miss a sporting event for his kids or his grandkids.  He would talk and watch sports for hours, much to the chagrin of Shirley “Peg.”  He coached youth football for over 25 years.  If you were a kid living in St. Paul, you either played football for him or you played against him.  Who could forget his signature play, the “end around sweep?”

Everyone looked forward to “rubbing elbows with a person of his caliber,” but he would tell you he was “just the little guy.”  He always “had everything under control like an electric blanket with dual controls.”  He would tell you that “you were a top-shelf banana” in his book.  He is the only person we know who made the word “film,” a two-syllable word.  He was a man of many names - Papa, Big Kahuna, Bully Buster, Bela Karolyi - but the most fitting one was being called “Norm!” because everyone knew his name.

You are now free from health struggles and will be “fine and dandy like cotton candy.”  Forever in our hearts! “You are our shining star and guiding light!”

Our family would like to thank the staff at Woodwinds Emergency Department, especially Jessica and Tanya, for their compassionate care of him and heartfelt support for Shirley.

Due to current conditions, memorial service will take place at a later time. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations  be made to the Union Gospel Mission, 77 E 9th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 or donor's choice.