Willard G. Anderson was born April 30, 1921 in rural Wakonda, SD to parents John and Mary (Jacobson) Anderson. He died June 3, 2010 at Wakonda Heritage Manor at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 3 days.

Willard attended Bethel rural school, graduated from Wakonda High School in 1939 and attended South Dakota State College Brookings. He married Marjorie Slattery on April 17, 1948. The couple resided on and operated a farm in rural Wakonda. He also worked for Johansen Lumber Yard and after retiring helped many farmers in the area. Marjorie passed away in 2004 and Willard moved to the Wakonda Heritage Manor in August of 2005 where he has lived until the present time.

Willard was a member of the United Church of Christ in Wakonda where he served as church treasurer for over 30 years. He enjoyed working with horses and belonged to the Wakonda and Centerville Saddle Clubs and served as a 4-H leader. Willards greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother and two sisters.

His survivors include his daughter Jane Watkins and husband George of Omaha, NE; two sons, Jerry Anderson and wife Kathy of Vermillion and Bruce Anderson and wife Cheryl of Sioux Falls; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; his sister Katherine Norris and husband George of Nemaha, IA; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00AM, Monday, June 7, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Wakonda with burial to follow at Union Cemetery, rural Wakonda. Visitation will be Sunday from 3PM to 5PM with a prayer service at 5PM at the church.