Funeral Services: 10:00 AM Thursday, November 20, 2003 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Gillette, Wy
Interment: will follow at the Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette
Andrew Wicktor Anderson, age 76, died at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital Sunday, November 16, 2003 following complications due to West Nile Virus.
Andy was born January 4, 1927, the son of Theresa (Wicktor) and Andrew A. Anderson in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm near Santiago, Minnesota, and attended a parochial school. After parochial school, he worked at a meat packing company in St. Cloud and on some farms in the Princeton area. On January 3, 1945, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served until he was honorably discharged on July 16, 1946, after WWII had ended. Upon his discharge, he returned to Minnesota for only a short time. He then hitchhiked his way westward toward Oregon, but ended up stopping and staying in Sidney, Montana, where he first worked at a ranch. Within a few years, Andy became employed at the Sidney BPOE Elks Lodge, where he tended bar and became the club manager.
Andy married Lillian V. Kringen on June 1, 1949, in Fairview, Montana. Andy, Lil and family lived in Sidney, Montana, until October of 1965 when they moved to Gillette, Wyoming. Andy was first employed as the manager for the Park Manor/Gay Nineties restaurant and nightclub. In 1966 he became part owner and manager of the Montgomery Hotel and Bar. The hotel and bar were sold for a short time, and Andy worked for Dales Hot Shot Service and as manager of the American Legion Club. When the Hotel and Bar were repossessed, the establishment became known as Andys Montgomery Bar.
Andy was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the American Legion Post #42, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the VFW, and the Moose Lodge. He was a charter member, past exalted ruler, honorary life member, and 54-year member of the Sidney, Montana Elks Lodge #1782.
Andy enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing cards, working in the yard, tending his garden, and growing flowers. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family, his companion friend, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his mother (aged 97) from Princeton, Minnesota; three sons: Craig (Barbara) Anderson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Arlyn (Debbie ) Anderson of Hulett, and Monte of Gillette; one daughter, Linda Welch of Pompeys Pillar, Montana; two sisters: Mary Ann Knutson and Darlene Pederson; one brother, David all of Princeton, Minnesota; one daughter-in-law, Bronwen Anderson of Gillette, Wyoming; Andys companion friend Betty Moorehead of Gillette; and nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian (September 30, 1991), his father, Andrew, his brother, Diedrick (Dick), and one son-in-law, Michael Welch.
The family wishes that memorial tributions be made to the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases, specifically for West Nile Virus research or to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Wyoming to benefit a Wyoming youth. Memorials may be sent in car of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home 210 W. 5th Street Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may be sent via the internet atwww.stevensonandsons.com.
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