Donald R. Anderson age 86 of Genoa City, WI died at his home amongst family on August 13, 2024.

He was born on March 1, 1938 in Braham, MN to the late J. Henry and Aileen (Gustafson) Anderson.   On June 15, 1963, he was united in marriage to his wife of 56 years DeAnna J. Nelson, who preceded him in death on September 15, 2019.

Don's life began in central Minnesota where he blossomed and grew alongside his siblings and the many plants, flowers, trees, grasses, and pets that surrounded the family farm.  It was here that Don developed a lifelong fascination with the powers of nature.  Throughout his life, Don often proclaimed "You can't improve upon nature," a lifelong theme for Don.

Inspired by the work and teachings of his many mentors, Don left the family farm in 1956 to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education at the University of Wisconsin, Stout, following in his older brother Ron's footsteps.  Immediately after graduating from UW Stout, Don accepted a position as a Vocational Arts teacher with the brand new and inspiring unified Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI.  Don taught at Badger High School for the entire 38 years of his career, dedicating himself to the area's youth and families. In this role, he helped guide the communities' young citizens to discover their own talents and interests.  He also found a way to extend this service to adults in the community by implementing and serving as Facilitator for an Adult Education program at Badger High School through Gateway Technical College.  Collectively, the programs he oversaw were regarded as one of the most well-developed high school programs in the state, leading to offers to teach at the college level.  Don's dedication to the community are evident in the fact he always remained at Badger High School.  He did accept a role as a state-level advisor to help other communities and schools develop similar programs.

Don achieved many accolades, and awards as well as a Master's Degree while working full time, but no accomplishments provided more satisfaction than helping other people succeed in life.

Don was equally as passionate about his family, his Swedish Heritage and his community.  With full commitment, he made every effort to ensure the success of his children, grandchildren, church, and community.  He was a lifelong member of the Genoa City Lions Club, Midwest Tool Collectors Association, as well as a member of the Swedish American Society.  Don was also an active member of the First Congregational UCC Church of Genoa City, WI.  During his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, collecting antique tools, working in his many gardens, as well as traveling and camping with his wife DeAnna and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Tammy (Scott) Popenhagen, Genoa City, WI and Tom (Andrea) Anderson, Glenwood, WA,  grandchildren Austin and Allison Popenhagen,  sisters Kathleen (Richard) Carlson and Polly (Don) Grossbach, brother Bob Anderson, and sisters-in-law Ruth (late Ronald) Anderson and Geneva (late Roger) Anderson.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law JoAnn(late Ron) Krause, Barbara(Warren) Smith, brother-in-law Curt(Linda) Nelson as well as numerous loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and an amazing network of friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife DeAnna, his parents J. Henry and Aileen Anderson, his older brothers Ronald and Roger Anderson, and brother-in-law Ron Krause.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 17, 2024, at 1:00PM at First Congregational UCC Church.  Burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Genoa City.   The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until the time of services at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Donald's name may be made to the church or the Genoa City Lions Club.  Funeral arrangements provided by The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home of Genoa City, WI.

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First Congregational United Church of Christ (Genoa City)
624 Park St., Genoa City WI 53128
Tel: 1-262-279-5547

Genoa City Lions Club
N1798 Daisy Dr, Genoa City WI 53128