GETTYSBURG, SD – Walter L. Anderson, 81, of Gettysburg passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Rev. David Otten presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery, with a meal to follow at the Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall. A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, with visitation one-hour prior.
Walter Lewis Anderson was born April 27, 1943, in Gettysburg, SD, to William B. and Mildred H. (Huyck) Anderson. He grew up in Lebanon and attended Hoven High School. After high school, he worked for area farmers before moving to Pierre, where he contributed to the construction of the Oahe Dam and the Federal Building.
On August 1, 1964, Walter married the love of his life, Carol Liebig. Together, they built a life in Gettysburg, where they raised their four children. Walt dedicated over 40 years of service to the Potter County Highway Department before retiring in 2006.
Walt was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served as an elder and usher. He had a passion for car racing, tractor pulls, and woodworking. He also enjoyed playing cards and dancing. Walt built each of his grandchildren their own rocking chair, a cherished keepsake. In their younger years, the family spent time camping, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Family was everything to Walt, and he never missed a chance to support his kids and grandkids, attending as many of their events as possible.
Known for his wonderful personality, Walt had a knack for giving everyone a hard time, always followed by a mischievous smile. His quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a way of making people laugh and smile.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; their children Jerard (Lisa) Anderson, West Fargo, ND, Monica (Robert) Poeppel, Gettysburg, Melissa (Tony) Haala, New Ulm, MN, and Maisie (Chad) Smith, Madison, SD; grandchildren: Anthony (Lindsey) Poeppel, Chelsey (Corey) Cronin, Casey (Bri Schrotberger) and Amber Anderson, and Graden Anderson, Adleigh Haala, and Paiton and Kennedy Smith; great grandchildren: Rayna, Coretta, and Tommy Cronin and Jack and Ivy Poeppel; siblings: Judith (Ron) Michlitsch and Constance Kiernan (Joel Christiansen); brother-in-law, Rudy Jacobs; sister-in-law, Pat Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred; infant sister, Phoebe; sisters: Virginia Mikkelson and Roxy Jacobs; brothers: Richard and Roger Anderson; mother and father-in-law, Paul and Emma Liebig.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Walt’s arrangements.

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