Kenneth Anderson, 65, formerly of Owatonna

Kenneth Frances (Andy) Anderson, 65, formerly of Owatonna, died Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Kenneth was born on Aug. 29, 1957 to Elmer and Mary Ann Mauris Anderson in Owatonna. Kenneth (Andy) grew up in Owatonna. He got the nickname of Andy growing up just like his father. Andy gained his great work ethics from his parents. He worked in the family businesses. From growing vegetables to selling them at the family store The 6-K Fruit and Vegetable Market with his siblings.

Kenneth (Andy) graduated from Owatonna High School in 1977. He then reserved an associate's degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota, Waseca.

Andy was employed with the Hy-Vee corporation in Owatonna and worked is way up in the company early on in his career. Eventually his passion came to be in the food industry. Andy worked in the deli and catering area of Hy-Vee. He received his training in Lincoln, Neb. Andy went on to work in Fairmont, Atlantic, Iowa, and eventually in Vermillion, S.D. He loved to show his skill in Dutch oven cooking at some of his catering jobs.

After 36 years, Andy decided to change careers and began working for the State of South Dakota. Here, he was able to use his knowledge to educate not only the individuals he supervised, but also the businesses he comes in contact with.

On Feb. 21, 1996, Andy joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles. It did not take him long to settle in and prove his worth to the Eagles, serving as local aerie president from 1998-1999. After his year as Worth President, Andy began his more than 15 years run as aerie trustee. During this same period, he found time to serve the Dakota State Aerie and representing Dakota at State and Regional

conventions. Andy also found time to be the Worthy State President 2012-2013 and the North Central Regional President in 2017 and 2018, and prior to his passing serving on the FOE Memorial Foundation Board.

Although Andy did not serve in the military, he did put his talents to work serving our National Guardsmen at all hours of the day and his service to the National Guard earned him the Minute Man award from the South Dakota Army National Guard.

He also had time to be a coach with the Special Olympics. Andy loved to fish, hunt, cook, he really enjoyed grilling, smoking and just having a good time with friends. He was also loved within the communities that he lived in and went out of his way to help others.

Kenneth (Andy) is survived by his brothers and sisters, Kevin (and Mary) Anderson of Owatonna; Kathy (and Tom) Sands, of Owatonna; Kim Anderson of Colorado Springs; Kristine (and Martin) Moreno of Arapaho, Okla.; Kaylene (and Johnny) Wood of Owatonna; 15 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Mary Ann Anderson and also his beloved four-legged companion Katie.

A celebration of life will be held at the Vermillion Eagles Club at 10:30 a.m., Saturday July 8, 2023 in Vermillion, S.D. Interment will be held at Bluff View Cemetery in Vermillion.