Ray Anderson

Raymond Joseph Anderson was born July 4, 1915 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Gust and Mary (Anderson) Anderson. He grew up and attended school in Detroit Lakes and Minneapolis, graduating from Central High, Minneapolis, in 1936. He married Marian Jennette McDowell on April 8, 1942 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and together they farmed RayMar Acres until 1986 when they retired.

Ray J. served on the local Big Five Coop. Board of Directors and the Audubon Coop. Grain Elevator board. He was actively involved in the Farmers’ Union organization and the National Democratic Farmer Labor Party all the way to the top leadership (including contact with Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale). He served as a delegate at national Democratic Party conventions. He also served as Collin Peterson’s treasurer during numerous campaigns.   Ray J. was one of the early leaders of the national ethanol movement through his service as Vice President of the National Gasohol Commission and President of the Minnesota Alcohol Fuels Association. He dedicated many hours and miles spreading “the word”.

Ray J. is survived by his wife, Marian, and two sons, Donald G .Anderson of Detroit Lakes, MN and Douglas (Kathy) Anderson of Brentwood, TN. Four grandchildren, Kirsten (Brad) Chesney of Murfreesboro, TN, Daniel (Kristy) Anderson of Audubon, MN, Amanda (Mickey) Schmitt of Franklin, TN and Bethany (David) Ustanko of Fargo, ND. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, and niece, Marilyn (David) Kerssen of Moorhead, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gust and Mary Anderson, brother, Albert Anderson, and daughter-in-law, Joyce Anderson.