Obituary of Charles Brown Anderson

Charles “Chuck” Brown Anderson, 87, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on April 12, 2021. Chuck was diagnosed with a brain tumor that quickly took his life, and he counted his blessings and praised the Lord until his last day. Chuck was born on May 30, 1933, in Mabel, MN. He spent his childhood moving with his family from farm to farm in the Mabel area during the Depression era and considered oranges and nuts a luxury. He grew up working the farm, milking cows, playing with his brothers, and eating Ma’s apple pie. In 1948, his family moved to North Branch, MN, where they bought a farm and he completed his last two years of high school. He was senior class president and played on the football team. Chuck then attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and played offensive guard on the football team. After attending two years of college, he joined the Army in 1953 and served as a guard after the Korean War, spending one year in South Korea and 6 months in Japan. He then returned to St. Olaf and completed his degree. On a trip to the roller skating rink, he met “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen,” Darla. Chuck and Darla were married 62 years and raised Dan and Ellen in Fridley, MN. They were also foster parents for several young girls, including Tina who is still a part of the family. For most of Chuck’s working life, he inspected ore and coal handling cranes and equipment in shipyards and steel plants. As a hobby, he grew and sold Christmas trees. When Chuck and Darla retired, they sold their house and spent their time between Lodi, CA, visiting their grandchildren, and Nisswa, MN, at their cabin on Gull Lake. For many years, he enjoyed fishing on the lake. Later in life, Chuck became an avid walker in order to manage his diabetes. For Chuck, walking and socializing went hand in hand. He made many friends as he took time to stop and chat along the road. He enjoyed nature and would often marvel at God’s creation. Chuck was known for his friendliness, gentleness, playfulness, strength of character, hard work, frequent naps, and pleasant demeanor. He will also be remembered for sharing his great homemade ice cream and fresh bread with family and friends through the years. He had a sweet tooth and was a sweeter person than all the sugar he ever ate. He spread joy by making people laugh, often unintentionally, and telling jokes. The most important thing to Chuck was his Christian faith. He attended weekly Bible studies for many years, prayed daily for his family and friends, and thanked God continually for all his blessings. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel; and his brothers, Richard (Shirley) and Robert (Carol). He is survived by his wife, Darla; son, Dan; daughter, Ellen (Robert) Sahli; granddaughters, Allie and Tori Sahli and Mia (Kevin) den Hartog; brother-in-law, John (Jackie) Westerlund; and many nieces and nephews. He adored his family and friends. A service and lunch reception will be held to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, at GracePoint Church, 801 South Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi.