Marvin E. "Jack" Anderson (83) - horseman, mechanic, farmer, beloved father and grandfather - died peacefully on June 4, 2011, surrounded by his children and wife. Jack succumbed to his battle with emphysema and lung cancer and entered heaven where he could be freed from his tired, weary body.
Jack was born on July 8, 1927, to Ray and Caroline Anderson in Burke County, North Dakota. His childhood was steeped in Norwegian family traditions and farm life. Here he developed his love for horses and strong work ethic which he carried throughout his lifetime.
When Uncle Sam called his name, he headed South to give his time to his country. That is where he met Betty June Keiffer, whom he married in San Antonio in 1947. Upon discharge, they moved to Montana to raise a family of four boys and two girls - Marvin, Michael, Arthur, Jerry, Jeanmaire, and Melinda. With so many mouths to feed, Jack's first obligation was always to his family. While Betty and Jack later divorced, they remained friends until her death.
Home to the Andersons over the years included Harlowton, Culbertson, and Cut Bank where Jack spent many years of his life managing Simonson Farms. He was well-respected for his dedication and quality of his work. Known as someone who could fix anything, friends and family often relied on his expertise. Jack had a special affinity for John Deere tractors, clean summer fallow, straight windrows, and bumper wheat crops.
Jack always felt that he was born to be a horseman, and this was best exemplified by his success with his favorite team of horses - Gus and Gib, matching Belgians raised from colts. His expertise as a teamster was displayed during many events such as Lewis and Clark Day parades, Kalispell Fair competitions, and the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive of 1989. It was one of his proudest moments when Gus and Gib were selected to appear at the Metra as one of the top 20 teams in the Drive. He was a true cowboy and wagonmaster.
In 1983, Jack married Dorothy Olson joining their two families together. Jack and Dorothy enjoyed many years in Cut Bank and on the farm at Chalk Butte. After retirement, they made their home in Kalispell. Much time was spent camping, traveling, and attending family events. Kristianson Family Reunions kept Jack close to his aunts and uncles, cousins, and the many generations that have followed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Caroline Anderson and his sister, Patty. Survivors include Jack's wife, Dorothy; siblings Mavis Iverson, Billings, MT; Garry (Mary Ann) Anderson, Dickinson, ND; and RaeDeen (Vern) Weinberger, Dickinson, ND; children Marvin, Great Falls, MT; Mike, Anchorage. AK; Art (Diane), Butte/Cut Bank, MT; Jerry (Wanda), Billings; Jeannie (Andy) Fetters, Cut Bank, MT; and Melinda (Rick) Thompson, Helena, MT; step-children Joann (Ivan) Jenkins, Veradale, WA; Joyce (Scott) LeDuc, Kalispell, MT; Jon (Janice) Olson, Kalispell, MT; and Jean Evans, Kalispell, MT. Grandchildren include Drew (Cari) Fetters, Cody (Lisa) Fetters, Beau (Val) Fetters, Abbi Fetters, Jordana Anderson, Nicolas Anderson, Neva Anderson, Aurelia Tait, Sadie (Richard) Blake, Amanda Berkram, Jackson Berkram, Hilary Thompson, Keenan Thompson, Heather Jenkins, Paige LeDuc, Kyle LeDuc, Jessica (Matt) Christenson, Jacy (Luke) Dowler, Madison Evans, Rutger Evans and 18 great-grandchildren.
Happy Trails, Jack. Until we meet again. to send condolences to the family please go to www.buffalohillfh.com Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family