John Thorston Anderson

John Thorsten Anderson passed from this life to the next at the age of 93 at his home in Medical Lake, Washington. He was born on June 12, 1927, in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, the son of Victor and Ida Anderson. At the age of nine, he moved with his family to Oslo, Minnesota; there he spent formative years on a farm in the Red River Valley, raising hay, sugar beets, wheat, tobacco and other crops, as well as dairy cattle and pigs. In 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to the South Pacific to assist in securing islands following the end of hostilities of World War II, attaining the station of yeoman third class. He was honorably discharged in August 1946. In 1949 he married Harriette (née Johnson) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 1950 he graduated from the University of North Dakota Law School, eventually earning his Juris Doctorate from the university. He and Harriette had three sons. In 1961 the family moved to Salem, Oregon; they would remain in the Pacific Northwest for most of the years hence.

John worked as a trial attorney for some years before joining the State Farm Insurance Company as a claims adjuster. He worked for State Farm for over 45 years, eventually becoming one of the company’s most successful agents; from his agency in Portland, Oregon, he sold over $1 million in policies every year for 14 years running. He retired in 1999. In 2002, his beloved wife Harriette preceded him in death at age 72; in 2004 he married Cora May Frisch in Spokane, Washington. They lived for a year in Tigard, Oregon before moving to Medical Lake. He was a member of the Tordenskjold Lodge of the Spokane Sons of Norway since 2003.

John was a faithful son, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the Lord and walked closely with Jesus for all of his life. He was a master storyteller and a diligent reader of history, biographies, and great works of literature. He had an insatiable desire to learn and a phenomenal memory. He traveled the world extensively, even into his later years. Those who knew him primarily remember his generosity and indomitable spirit.

John is survived by his wife Cora May; sister Virginia Clutter; son John; son David and daughter-in-law Elizabeth; son Brian and daughter-in-law Catie; stepsons William Frisch, Arnold Frisch, and Markus Frisch; niece Denise Bennett; nephew Courtney; grandson Justin and granddaughter-in-law Kerry; granddaughter Philippa; grandson Daniel; and great-grandsons Dylan and Gavin.

Memorial service to be held Saturday, May 22 at 2:00 PM at Medical Lake Baptist Church. Reception to follow.