William “Drew” Anderson, 72, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.

Drew was born Jan. 29, 1947, to Arnold and Dorothy (Hass) Anderson in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and lived on the Anderson family farm in Matawan, Minnesota, before moving to Frost, Minnesota, and later Adams, Minnesota, with his mother and adoptive father, Gay Anderson. He graduated from Adams High School in 1965 and volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in January 1969.

In 1970, Drew became engaged to the love of his life, Carol May, also from Adams. They were married on March 20, 1971. Drew farmed alongside Carol’s parents, Clarence and Joline May, on their farm outside of Taopi, Minnesota, before settling in St. Paul, where they raised their six children. A skilled machinist, he worked for Longyear Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Kurt Manufacturing in Fridley, Minnesota, until his retirement. He also spent many hours in the garage repairing and crafting projects.

Over the years, Drew canoed through the Boundary Waters, wandered through markets in Mexico, climbed the Great Wall of China, and visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He crossed the country with camper, car, truck, and motorcycle and enjoyed an impromptu road trip anytime, anywhere to visit people he cared about. Fishing in Canada with his family was his favorite annual tradition. After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, and camping with his grandchildren.

Drew was a wonderful husband, brother, and father who would do anything for his family. He had many adventures and touched many people with his generosity and sense of humor. Words cannot express how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.

He is survived and loved by his wife of 48 years, Carol (May) Anderson; children, Jennifer (Tim) Anderson-Easthouse, Carla (James) Foote, Joshua (Kara) Anderson, Alyssa, Jeanna and Kari Anderson; nine grandchildren; sisters, Dea Anderson of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Ila Hoberg of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and Glenda Sapp of Buffalo Center, Iowa; uncle, Russ Anderson of Matawan; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marsha Anderson of Waseca, Minnesota, John Tancheff of Florida, Judy (Bob) Osmundson of Adams, Arleen (Stan) Moren of Lakeville, Minnesota, Bob May of Rochester, Minnesota, and Arlette (Rick) Kvam of Spring Valley, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends, including his four-legged best buddy, Franklin Delano. He was preceded in death by parents, Dorothy and Gay Anderson; sister, Judy Hamson; brother, LaMarr; nephews, Brad Quade and David Hamson; father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Joline May; brothers-in-law, Larry Sapp, Ernie Hamson and Dick Hoberg; and sister-in-law, Mary Tancheff.

The time of the funeral Mass has changed and will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 375 Oxford St. N. in St. Paul, with visitation half an hour before the service on Saturday at the church. A luncheon and celebration of life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday after the service at DeGidio’s, 425 W. Seventh St. in St. Paul. Arrangements handled by O’Halloran & Murphy. Condolences can be made online at www.ohalloranmurphy.com.