Don Anderson

Don Anderson, 80, died August 5, 2018 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Donald G. Anderson was born January 23, 1938 in Beaver, Iowa to Raymond and Bernice (Argo) Anderson. He grew up on a farm and loved tractors and picnics. He graduated from high school in Jefferson, Iowa where he lettered in football, basketball, track and was the vice president of his class.

He met the love of his life, Mary, at Northwest Missouri State where he was president of his senior class and member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and The Blue Key Organization. In 1961 he graduated with a degree in business/economics. Don and Mary (Adams) were married on July 30, 1961 in Shenandoah, Iowa and just celebrated their 57th anniversary last week.

Don began his successful business career working in finance at Farm Management, then became President of Shriver Construction in Jefferson. He was proud to serve in the Iowa National Guard. They moved to Grand Island, Nebraska in 1974. As President of Chief Construction, he was a pioneer in the design/build concept and was the driving force in growing this division. From 1992 to 1996 he was President of the buildings division of Chief Industries, Inc. From 1996 – 2004 he served as President/CEO of MFS/York/Stormor, a division of Global Industries, in Grand Island.

After retirement Don and Mary moved to Lincoln in 2004 to be closer to family. A devoted family man, he was a constant supporter of his grandchildren’s activities; cheering them on from the stands, attending performances, telling them stories and jokes while being a loving Papa Don. He loved attending Husker games, going to coffee club with his friends and making everyone around him feel special.

Throughout his life he was committed to giving back to the community. His commitment to the Grand Island community was unparalleled. Don was honored to receive Nebraska Diplomat of the Year in 1995 and the Nebraska Diplomats Ambassador Plenipotentiary Award in 2002 for Exemplary Leadership and Lifelong Dedication to the “Quality of Life in Nebraska.” He served on many boards including: Industrial Foundation, Central Community College, United Way, American Red Cross, was President of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors of the State Chamber of Commerce for ten years. In Lincoln he was a mentor for the Teammates Program, volunteer at the VA Hospital, member of Trinity United Methodist Church and South Lincoln Rotary.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Mary and children: Beth McElroy (Mark) of Lincoln, Jenny Colson (David) of Lincoln and Craig Anderson (Alison) of Danville, California. Sister, Norma Voshell of Keller, Texas; grandchildren: Abbie, Grant, Allison and Nick McElroy, Maddie and Will Tolly and Maya and Avery Anderson; many nieces; nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernice Anderson and siblings: Dwight ‘Andy’ Anderson, Mildred Stevens, Arnie Anderson, Gladys Cummings, Bob Anderson, Shirley Milleson and Gerald Anderson.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, NE. Funeral will be Saturday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Ln., Lincoln NE.  

Memorials can be made to Teammates, South Lincoln Rotary or Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.bmlfh.com.

Butherus, Maser, & Love Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska.