David Roy Anderson

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of David Roy Anderson announces his peaceful passing into the arms of Jesus on July 20, 2026, at the age of 84. David was residing at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Though he faced the challenges of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a Parkinson's-like disease, he met each day with courage and an unwavering faith.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Faye; his children, John (Maura) and Melinda (Sean); grandchildren Samantha (Sampson), Stephon, Quinlan, Caden, and Teagan; great-grandson Baker; brothers Paul (Peg) and Mark (Jan); and siblings-in-laws David (Susan) and Nancy (Gary).

Born on January 28, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Roy and Helen Anderson, David grew up in Hopkins and later Excelsior. After graduating from Minnetonka High School, he continued his education at North Hennepin Junior College.

David proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, beginning active duty in 1966. His journey first took him aboard the USCG Mackinaw icebreaker in Cheboygan, Michigan, where he navigated the waters of the Great Lakes. Later, he was stationed in Marquette, Michigan, where he and his family lived on the top floor of a lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior. It was a fond experience that he recounted often. Following active duty, he continued serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in Minneapolis, patrolling the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. His military career spanned 36 years, a testament to the love he had for his country.

David was an entrepreneur at heart, a dreamer, and always eager to explore what might come next. Throughout his career he worked for companies including Cargill, Chrysler, and John Deere, while also pursuing a variety of business ventures of his own. Whether launching an early software company or pursuing a new venture. A born salesman, he had a gift for building relationships and engaging others.

Faith was the anchor of David's life. He served on church boards, participated in Bible studies, and volunteered wherever help was needed. Family and friendships were among his greatest blessings, and he enjoyed gatherings of every kind. In his characteristic humor, he often joked that he liked funerals because they reunited him with people he hadn't seen in years.

That same commitment extended far beyond his work and into every corner of his life. David embraced adventure, always eager to discover something new, and create lasting memories. His travels took him to all 50 states. He found great joy in exploring the beauty and spirit of America. Some of his family's most cherished memories were made on the road and on the water. David proudly took the wheel for countless road trips along the nation's highways and back roads. He also enjoyed boating across Minnesota's countless lakes and scenic rivers. More than the places he visited, it was the memories he created, and the people he shared them with that meant the most to him.

Above all, David loved being “Papi.” He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s games, concerts, and special events. He took tremendous pride in each of them and cherished every moment he was able to celebrate their successes and milestones.

David's interests were as varied as they were meaningful. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, NASCAR, trains, dogs, and riding four-wheelers, and he never passed up a chance for a good BBQ or a lutefisk dinner.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks for the love, support, and expressions of sympathy shown following David's passing. Your kindness has been a great comfort during this time. We are also deeply grateful to the caregivers and staff of the Minneapolis Veterans Home and Medical Center for the compassionate care they provided David throughout his final years.

memorial service

Please join us on September 8th, 2026 to Honor David Roy Anderson with a Veterans Burial, followed by a Celebration of Life Service.

Veterans Burial at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery (optional)

Time: 9:30AM (estimated 30 minutes)

7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55480

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Celebration of Life Service at the Minnesota Veterans Home

Time: Visitation at 10:30am | Service at 11:00am

5101 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55417