Kenneth Fred Anders

Kenneth was born June 16, 1929 on a farm near Cogswell, ND, and passed away at home on May 8, 2018. Ken was the fourth child out of eleven brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Corrine F. Johnson of Moorhead, MN. Ken and Corrine met on a blind date in the fall of 1950 arranged by his brother Neil and his soon to be wife Adelle. Ken recalls falling in love and wanting a job other than farming. Ken ended up in Texas because he saw one wintry day an enlistment sign in Fargo, ND, that read: “Enlist now for the United States Air Force and be stationed in Texas where it’s 80 degrees today”. The temperature was hovering at or below the freezing mark, in Fargo that day so it didn’t take much encouragement to turn the car around and enlist in the Air Force. Ken and Corrine were married on March 10, 1951 in Wichita Falls, TX. Ken graduated from Cogswell High School in 1947 and taught school at the Brampton Township School District in ND after attending a year of college in Ellendale, ND. It’s hard to recall if this school was a single room school house or not. He enlisted in the Air Force on December 27, 1950, and retired as a MSgt on December 31, 1970 with 20 years of active service. Ken specialized in bomb navigation systems and radar for the F-111 fighter jet and B-52 bombers supporting Southeast Asia (Guam, Okinawa, and Thailand). The family took many trips to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. If you have been there or get the chance to visit, notice the B-52 mounted on giant pedestals. Ken worked on that particular B-52D bomber (Diamond Lil), serial number 55-083. He was stationed at many bases around the country which explains why most of the children were born in the different states and cities: Wichita Falls and San Antonio, TX, Omaha, NE, and Orlando, FL. Ken’s military records show that he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Air Force Marksman Ribbon. Shortly, after leaving the Air Force, Ken worked for the United States Post Office as a Letter Carrier, Badge No. 1134 with a final retirement from there in 1991. After the 2nd retirement, Ken was able to enjoy more years of hunting, fishing, ceramics, gardening, going home to North Dakota, numerous trips in the United States with a trip to England and France with Corrine, coin and stamp collecting, gambling, making ladder games, Letter Carrier Convention’s, planning family reunions and just plain enjoying life. Ken was a proud member of VFW Post 3981, Grand Junction, CO, The American Legion and the National Association of Letter Carrier's Union, Branch 47. Kenneth is survived by his six children, Marie, (Joe-deceased), Barbara (Ed), Deborah (Dan), Kenneth (Linda), Gay Lynn (Chris) and Fred (Susan); 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren: He is preceded in death by his parents; Johann “John"" Willhelm Frederick Anders and Augusta “Gustie” Grace Josephine (Pieper) Anders and four brothers, Donald (Maxine-deceased), Raymond (Luella), Jim (Karen) and Danny. Ken has three surviving sisters, MaryLou (Hal-deceased), Bettyann (Richard-deceased), and Shirley; and three brothers, Gene (Eva), Neil (Adelle), and Merle (Sue-deceased). A memorial service will be held on May 21, 2018 at 10 am at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood CO with Pastor Tracy Hinkel of Saint Stephen’s Lutheran Church, presiding. A burial will immediately follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery with a reception and celebration of life held at the NALC Branch 47, Letter Carrier’s Union Hall at 5151 W. 1st. Ave., Lakewood, CO. The family would like to give a special thanks to Mary Jo of Team Select, The Denver Hospice Nurse's Amy and K, Dr. Martau’s Staff, Thornton Fire Department, neighbors and friends (Ruth, Robert, Sandra Marco and Jeff), St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church, and the many other friends and family that helped during these difficult times. Kenneth is dearly missed by his family and friends and is at peace with God. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The American Cancer Society (cancer.org), The Denver Hospice (thedenverhospice.org) or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Kenneth and condolences with his family by leaving a message below.