Lowell 'Andy' R. Anderson, 87

Lowell ‘Andy’ R. Anderson, 87, was born on August 27, 1928 in Plentywood.  On Feb. 3, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, he was “received into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; waiting at the gates was his wife of 51 years, Lee.”

He was born to Arthur and Ebba Anderson, the seventh of nine children. He quit school in the eighth grade, after his father died in a farming accident to help support the family. He would later receive his GED, something he was very proud of. 

Lowell proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he met the love of his life Leoda Erickson and they were married on May 9, 1954. From this union they would have five children.

Dad worked as a lineman all of his life, starting in Hill County Electric in Havre, Big Flat Electric in Malta and finishing his career with Flathead Electric in Kalispell. The harsher the weather, the more demanding his job was. When the phone rang in the middle of the night, we knew Dad was going to work. He retired 1986 after thirty five years of climbing poles. Dad was a proud member of the IBEW Union for 67 years.

Dad’s commitment to his family was only surpassed by his faith. His favorite hobbies were his Country and Western vinyl record collections, camping and playing cards with anyone who would join him at the table. His children appreciated his new found family at Welcov for welcoming him with open arms and keeping him in check. He was a prankster with a huge heart and an outgoing personality and was the very proud winner of his final games.

Mom and dad spent over 20 years living the life as snow birds in Arizona meeting an abundance of friends they continued to keep in touch with. 

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and his wife.

Lowell is survived by his sister Mamie Parpart of Columbia Falls; his children Jo (Bob) Keller, Neil (Tamara) Anderson of Phoenix, Alyn Ann (Bobby) Hangebrauk, Lynette (Bill) Witts of Polson, and Lana Clark (Roy); 11 grandchildren, Niki (Dave) Henke, Cobey Hangebrauk, Amy Elletson, Heidi (Dave) McAtee, Robert (Sara) Hangebrauk Jr., Erin Witts, Jeff (Breana) Keller, Kenny (Brandon) Keller, Eric Witts, Jayson Clark, and Jayden Clark;  nine great-grandchildren, Jona, Brady, Parker, William, Cooper, Bradley, Emily, Caylee and Brilyn.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members including his special love Erna and adopted granddaughter Mudd.

Dad was a great man and leader of the Anderson clan and will be greatly missed from his big smile to his tongue-biting concentration trait passed down to his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen.  Burial will directly follow services at Glacier Memorial Gardens with a reception back at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to Welcov Assisted Living, Frontier Hospice or the charity of the donors choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.