Douglas G. "Doug" Anderson, age 70 of Ramsey, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids.

Douglas was born on December 7 ^th , 1946.  He grew up in Richfield and Albert Lea, Minnesota.

He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1964.  Afterwards he went to Mankato State University to pursue a degree in business.  He served in the National Guard.  While at college, he met and fell in love with Cheryl Carlson.  They married on August 1 ^st , 1969.  Together they had two children, Kevin and Kristy.  Doug's devotion to his family never wavered.  When Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer, Doug spent every lunch hour with her in the hospital.  After her passing, he bravely continued to parent and provide for Kevin and Kristy.

In 1993, he and Joan Millard crossed paths.  It was apparent that they were meant to be more than friends as they quickly fell in love.  On October 8 ^th , 1994, they married and joined their families.  Doug gained two step-sons, Jeff and Joel, and as the years passed, Peggy, Mandi and Brian joined the family.  Doug and Joan have been blessed with 8 grandchildren.  Doug loved to spoil the grandchildren with treats and presents.  Their children and grandchildren have been the light of their lives.

Doug was surrounded by many loyal and lifelong friends.  Our family is forever grateful for them.  His very best friends were his siblings.  They saw or spoke to each other weekly, if not daily.  The siblings, along with their parents, enjoyed many family dinners, birthday parties, trips, and time at the cabin.

Doug worked as a purchasing agent at Carter Day and Farm Credit Leasing.  He loved his work. Due to his savvy business sense, professionalism, and persuasive personality, he had a successful career.

Doug had many hobbies and interests.  His love of travel brought him many places including most of the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, England, and fly-in fishing trips to remote areas of Canada.  Of all the places he went, his favorite was the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin.  He could be found there year-round, fishing or snowmobiling.  Doug was a collector—license plates, coins, business cards, cameras, gadgets, and maps to name a few.  Nobody could find a better deal than Doug.  If you were looking for a new car, better interest rate, or just a new drill, Doug was your guy.  Sometimes Doug had his own rules in life, like eating dessert first (or twice), putting on over-the-top fireworks displays or playing jokes on friends.  He loved cars, planes, ships, history, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Doug courageously battled Parkinson's Disease for nearly 20 years.  With Joan by his side, he continued to enjoy life.  Joan's unrelenting love and devotion has been unmatched.  Our family wishes to express gratitude to all that have walked this journey with us.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Maxine (nee Hugos) Anderson; and his first wife, Cheryl Lee Anderson.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joan; son, Kevin Anderson; daughter, Kristy (Brian) Rolig; step-sons, Jeffrey (Peggy) Millard and Joel (Mandi) Millard; grandchildren, Madison, Marvin, Katie, Vincent, Ingrid, Greta, Franklin, and Louie; siblings, Brad (Cheryl) Anderson, Phil (Marcia) Anderson, and Janet (Ron) Inberg; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 Fourth Avenue S., Anoka.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at church (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or Park River Estates Care Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220