Luther "Luke" A. Anderson

Luther “Luke” Anderson, 82, passed away, Friday, February 14, 2020 at his home in Battle Lake, Minnesota.

He leaves his life partner, Joanne Cress; his children, Mark (and Kate), Kari (and Greg) and Derek (and Anne); grandchildren, Matt, Bjorn and Grant; siblings, Stan and Ruth; and his propinquity to his fishing buddies, Susan Cress and Patrick McGovern.

Born and raised in Hoffman, MN, the son of Alfred Anderson and Ellen Serene (Bjelland) Anderson. In his early years, Luke would help on the family farm. After graduating from high school, he attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

Luke dedicated his career to managing nonprofit organizations. Luke enjoyed writing creative nonfiction and poetry, wood sculpting and a variety of other artistic endeavors. He helped found the Lake Region Writers Network.

Luke had a passion for fishing, cooking and the great outdoors. He will be remembered for his warm smile and big heart.

The family will have a private memorial in the spring.

As Luke said, “It was a fun ride.”


Old Tucker
by Luke Anderson

Old Tucker naps on my kitchen floor
with grayed nose resting on forepaws.
He dozes peacefully on his braided rug
while elsewhere show dogs pose,
sheep dogs nip, and sled dogs tug.

Once he was a fine retriever but
age has dulled his canine instincts.
The urge to hunt is gone, yet,
he knows my coming and my leaving
and feels my joys and my grieving.

He struggles up onto his haunches
and looks for me through milky eyes.
I pat his noble head and know,
that we’ve grown old together
and performance no longer matters.

Assistance provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com