Gaylord R. Anderson, 90, of Northwood passed away peacefully Monday, January 20, 2025 at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
Gaylord Roger “Andy” Anderson was born February 1, 1934 in Joice, IA, the son of Gilman and M. Oletta (Chose) Anderson. He attended Northwood High School, graduating with the class of 1952. Soon after graduation, Gaylord entered the United States Army serving in Korea with #440 Signal Aviation Construction Battalion (SACB) working Special Services with the Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1957. On June 28, 1959 Gaylord married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Hayson at First Lutheran Church in Northwood. The couple was blessed with four children: Rita, Carla, Lori and Calvin. The family made their home in Northwood, where Gaylord worked as a surveyor at the County Engineer’s Office. Following his retirement from Worth County, Gaylord worked as a crop adjustor from 1981-1994 in IA, MN, SD, ND and Canada. In 1996 he served his community, establishing habitats for wildlife with Worth County’s Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) until 2005.
Gaylord, many would know as “Andy” or “Gigs,” was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, never missing a chance to cheer on his team. Whether taking long drives through the country or chopping wood to prepare the family fireplace, Gaylord loved moments that brought him close to nature and those he loved. Music was a lifelong passion, and his talent as a drummer was evident from a young age. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he cherished the community he and Barb found at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea. Gaylord deeply valued his time with family and friends, relishing family gatherings, reconnecting with his Army buddies, and sharing stories with his cousins. Above all, he took immense pride in being a loving husband, father, and grandpa, a role he embraced with unwavering devotion.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara; children, Rita (Steve) Ness of Queen Creek, AZ, Carla Anderson of New Ulm, MN, Lori (Mark) Haugebak of Gilbert, AZ and Calvin Anderson of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Jaime (Jared) Crum, Jessa (Brian) Brooks and Kyle (Danica) Haugebak; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janet Anderson; brothers-in-law, Tom (Kindra) Hayson and Sanford (Ana) Hayson; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin Anderson and Alvin “AJ” Anderson; sister in-law Agnes Anderson and Barb’s parents, Tom and Emma Hayson.
Gaylord’s family will honor him privately.
colonialchapels.com