John L. Anderson | 1943 - 2024
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Apr 24, 2025 | 9:29 AM / 844 views
PRESHO, SD – John Lloyd Anderson of Presho S.D. age 81 passed away at his home on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
He was surrounded by loving friends and family. John fought a courageous battle with Cancer for nearly a year. There were many doctor visits and hospital stays, but in the end he did it his way!
John was born on August 17, 1943 to John Alfred Anderson and Alta Ruth (Kenobbie) Anderson in Mitchell, S.D. He grew up on the family farm east of Presho and attended country grade school close to his home. He graduated from Presho High School in 1961, he then attended South Dakota State University for three years & then came home to help with the farming as his father was in declining health. John was married to his high school sweetheart on November 10, 1962. John and Donna just celebrated 62 years of marriage. John and Donna had two children, Cheryl and Alan.
John wore many hats throughout his 81 years. He had a great love of the land and of most animals.
He was a farmer, a rancher, a truck driver, a private pilot, a son, a brother, a father and a husband!
John loved music (mostly country). He had a beautiful singing voice, but only sang to the radio while going down the road. He also loved to dance. He and Donna never missed a dance, whether it be square dancing, waltzing or the polka, or jitterbugging to some good old rock & roll! His favorite country singers were Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
In the 70’s and 80’s you would find John traveling to many rodeos with his kids and other peoples kids! So many memories of those days and what fun it was. He owned a boat and taught many of us how to water ski at Brakke Dam! He also loved to play cards, especially Cribbage!
He was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs! He hardly ever missed a Nascar Race on TV. And even got to go to a race in Kansas City!
John valued his friends and was always there to lend a helping hand. His greatest joy was helping someone out and not letting anyone know. He was generous to a fault, his famous saying was: Put that on my tab, or I will get that! I witnessed many battles over a meal ticket and John usually won.!
He loved snow, but not at home as that represented a lot of work! He loved snow in the mountains so he could go snow mobiling! Some of his favorite places to go sledding were Colorado and the Rockies or the Big Horns in Wyoming. He also took many trips to Sundance Wyoming, where he met a whole new set of friends. If you were ever his friend, you most likely are still his friend. He collected friends like some people collect treasures. His friends were his treasures and they were all here for him during this difficult time.
When I said he liked most animals, It’s because he really loved his black angus cattle, all dogs & horses!
He adored his dog Bubba! But he really didn’t like cats, except Callie the Calico that lives in his shop!
He gave her permission to stay in his shop because she kept the birds away!
John and Donna lost their son Alan in 1991, but through the years they have acquired several more sons & daughters not as a replacement for their own son but bonus sons & daughters! In particular is Ethan! He was there when we needed him and we were there when he needed us. Thank you for being in his life Ethan!
John is survived by his wife Donna, his daughter Cheryl and his sister Mary. His Sister In-laws, Carol Andersen & Steve, & Judy Collura. His brother in laws Ray Schoulte & Terri and Rick Schoulte & Mary, plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents JA (Al), & Alta Anderson, his sister Pat , his son Alan & his Brother in-law Bill Schoulte ,and his Father In-law & mother in-law Lyle and Kay Schoulte.
I would like to leave you with a quote from John’s Senior Year Book: “He was neither a book worm nor a social hound, but just a swell guy to have around.” This was a very appropriate quote for him.
As per John’s request, he was cremated. His Memorial service, Celebration of his Life and burial of his ashes will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Grace Methodist Church in Presho, SD, when the grass is green & the birds are singing.
So rest in peace my Love, your struggles and pain are over and you did it your way! We will make sure to close the gate, so the cows & horses don’t get out, and we will remember to shut out the lights, we will continue to cheer on your beloved KC Chiefs & Denver Broncos, We will take care of Bubba and oh yes, I have the remote!
