Wesley David Anderson, passed away peacefully at his home in Shakopee, surrounded by his loving family on December 11, 2016.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 19, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska with Pastor Sarah Taylor officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, SOUTH CHAPEL, 600 South Broadway, New Ulm. Visitation will also continue for one hour prior to the time of the funeral service at the church on Monday.

Wes was born on May 16, 1940, in Hanska, to Glenn and Alma Anderson. Wes attended Hanska public schools and graduated in 1958 from Hanska High School. He continued his education at Mankato State University, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Education and Coaching. Wes also completed his Master's Degree in Secondary Administration also from Mankato State University. Wes and Shirley were united in marriage on December 3, 1960 at Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. Their Christmas tree this year is adorned with the actual blue ornaments from the Christmas trees at their wedding. He taught at New Ulm Public schools for 18 years. After leaving his teaching profession, he entered the insurance industry for 30+ years and traveled throughout the state of Minnesota, calling and servicing Minnesota Association of Farm Mutual Insurance Companies.
Wes had many interests but sports topped his list. Not only did he have a passion for many sports, but enjoyed participating in them. Starting in grade school and all through high school, Wes was a member of the Hanska basketball and baseball teams. After high school, he continued to play baseball and/or softball with teams in Okabena, Hanska, New Ulm and Mankato. He officially hung up his cleats at the age of 46. Wes was also thrilled and proud by his three grandchildren's active involvement and participation in numerous athletic events. In fact he coached baseball for three years for his grandson Caden's teams. Wes had an uncanny ability to talk with anyone, anywhere. He loved to work as a chef in the kitchen; stewing & brewing many wonderful meals for family and friends. In fact he made so many trips to the local Cub grocery store, that most employees knew him by his first name.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley (Ahlness) Anderson, son Mark Anderson, his wife Kathlene and their son, Scott Anderson of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; his daughter Jane (Anderson) Rodning and her fiancé Duane Slaughter and her son, Caden Rodning and her daughter, Caleigh Rodning of Shakopee. Wes is also survived by his sisters, Gloria Topp of Hanska, Margie Larson of New Ulm, Wanda (Delman) Larson of Hanska; brothers, Glen Lee (Sharon) Anderson of Adair, Iowa, and Keith (Cathy) Anderson of St. Cloud; and many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families.

Wes is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Alma Anderson; brother-in-law Dale Larson; sister, Marlys Froehling, brother-in-law, Harlan Froehling, brother-in-law, Richard Topp; in-laws, Kenelm and Lois Ahlness; nephew Lucas Stoesz.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.