t is with a heavy heart that we announce that on August 30, 2016 our family said goodbye to our father, grandfather, and friend. A member of our nations "greatest generation".
Leonard began his life in the prairies of Britton, South Dakota. He was born on December 21, 1918 to Elling and Elena Anderson and shared his life with six brothers and four sisters. The family moved to Circle, Montana in 1928. Then in 1934 Leonard moved to Fort Peck where he worked on the building of the Fort Peck Dam until 1942. In August 1942 he was drafted into the Army in which he served until his honorable discharge in December of 1945, receiving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During that time he fought several battles in the South Pacific and received the Bronze Star. After his service he returned to Kalispell and started his mechanics career working for Studebaker Garage, Stockton Motors, and Korn Buick. He officially retired in 1982 but continued to get the phone calls and knocks on the door from old customers and friends needing his expertise to help with their vehicles, especially "Jeeps".
He met his bride, Leota Croskrey when she was vacationing in Kalispell. They married in Leavenworth, Washington on August 29, 1948. They moved back to Kalispell in 1949 and started their family, having three daughters, Rita, Carol, Linda, and one son, Lenny.
Leonard was a child of the depression. He learned to be self sufficient and acquired many skills. He loved to "putter". His hands and mind were never idle and because his talents/skills were many, he was known as "Handy Andy" and was always there to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge. Although he found great pleasure in being a kind and giving person, he said what he was most grateful for and found his greatest joy was spending time with his loving family. In Leonard's final days he would ask for "peace". Was this a soldier asking peace for our world or was it peace for his own soul and spirit.......probably some of both. Either way, we know our father, grandfather, and friend is resting comfortably in an abundance of peace that he desired and deserved.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Leota on April 1, 2010 and his brothers, Emil, Arthur, Lloyd, Lorance, Elmer and Edwin; and sisters Josephine, Tina, and Tillie
He leaves behind his three daughters, Rita Bishop and husband Bob, of Whitefish, Carol Frehse of Kalispell, Linda Miller and husband Fred, of Kalispell and a son, Lenny Anderson of Lakeside. Grandchildren, Leslie (Bishop) Franco, Allyson (Bishop) Crawford, Justin Frehse, Brittney Frehse, Melissa (Miller) Simpson, Jake Miller, Cody and Tehya Anderson, Jarrett Sunde, and nine great grandchildren and one surviving sister Helen.
A public viewing will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell with Funeral Service to immediately follow at 1:00. The Graveside Burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception to follow at the Elks Lodge located at 1820 Hwy 93 South in Kalispell.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to the Montana Veterans Home Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 257, Columbia Falls, Mt. 59912, Please note memorial for Leonard P. Anderson
All life is a gift and his life was a gift to many......