Donald Lee Anderson, Sr.

Donald Lee Anderson, Sr., age 79, of Escanaba, passed away Tuesday evening, February 23, 2021, at home surrounded by family. He was born on December 1, 1941 in Escanaba, the son of Wesley and Florence (Robar) Anderson. Don was raised in Stonington on the family farm and was part of the last class to attend the Bungalow School in Stonington. He was a 1960 graduate of Rapid River High School. Following graduation, he moved and worked in Chicago for a few years before being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country from 1964 until 1966. Don returned to Chicago and then moved back to Escanaba in 1966 and purchased Don’s Mobile Station and Car Wash. Donald Anderson married the former Ruth Maziarz on May 20, 1967 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared 53 years of marriage. Throughout his working career, Don drove milk truck and made cheese for the Rapid River Creamery and also worked with his brother, Gordon Anderson, at Anderson Mobile. In 1980, he sold the station to farm and sell farm equipment. He also did repair work several car dealers, including warranty work for Decker Auto for 30 years. Donald loved cutting stove wood for winter, his black angus cattle, hunting with his grandchildren, Corey and Morgan, buying and selling farm equipment, and enjoyed meeting all of his customers. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was an usher for 40 years, and also was a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree.

Donald Lee Anderson is survived by his wife, Ruth Anderson of Escanaba; son, Donald (Tracy) Anderson, Jr. of Escanaba; daughter, Donnelle Robitaille of Escanaba; grandchildren, Kandi, Dan Jr. and Kayla, and Kallie, Corey, and Morgan; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Wesley Anderson of Stonington; sisters, Joan Lantagne of Gladstone, and Diane (Richard) Bannan of Myrtle Beach, SC; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and special friends, Art and Grace Davey.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Anderson; sister, Virginia Paquin; nephew, Daniel Anderson; and great-nephews, Joshua Clark.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock with Father Sebastian K. Chacko officiating. Entombment will take place in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the OSF Hospice Team, the OSF nurses, Marissa, Emily, and Tricia, the PTs, Sara and Jay, and the doctors and nurses at OSF oncology. Your kindness and care will always be remembered. Also, a special thanks to Donald, Tracy, and grandkids, along with Scott and Bridgette for always being there whenever needed. The family will never forget your thoughtfulness! 

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