Joe Anderson passed away on November 24, 2015. Beside him was his wife, Marilyn of Wolf Point, and oldest son Murvin of Plentywood, MT.
He was born Murvin Edwin to Myrtle and Edward Anderson on October 15, 1932 in Froid, MT. Growing up in Wolf Point, he was given the nickname Joe by his native friends. The name Joe is what he went by for the remainder of his life.
At an early age Joe developed a strong sense of helping others. He was influenced greatly by his mother and grandmother. They both cared for neighbors and friends at the Olsen Hospital in Scobey, MT.
In 1959 Joe asked for the hand of Marilyn Toavs daughter of Martin and Maggie Toavs of Wolf Point. They married on June 27, 1961. This marriage of 54 years produced three sons Murvin Jene, mark Jeffrey and Martin John.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lois L. Anderson and Elain N. LaPier; two brothers, Lyle E. Anderson and Richard D. Anderson; his parents-in-law Martin and Maggie Toavs.
Joe is survived by his wife Marilyn Jean Anderson; pne sister-in-law, Esther Anderson; three sons, Murvin (Athena) of Plentywood, Mark of Guam, and Martin of Washington State; six grandchildren Lynelle Garfield (Beau), Morgan Lord, Trevor Anderson, Kolby Anderson, Jessica Anderson, and Rachel Anderson; two great grandchildren Abel Garfield and Julianna Garfield; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe proudly served the United States for four years during the Korean War. His Christian faith brought him to the Go Ye Mission in Oklahoma. Later he worked for Job Service, and helped people find employment. He was passionate about his work and would often help people by giving them rides to their work place. If they wanted to work he would find a way to make it happen. During his retirement years he worked as a teacher’s aid for Mrs. Maxine Strader at the Wolf Point high School. He fully retired at the age of 79.
Joe’s faith was very important to him. He accepted the Lord into his life at the age of 24. His faith was a quiet faith. He started each day reading his bible and praying for his family. He taught Sunday school and also served on the church board.
Joe was an extraordinary man who lived a full life. He loved children; he would tell stories to his nieces, nephews, and all his grandchildren. He spent his free time woodworking, restoring old furniture, gardening and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He loved his wife with all his being, making her happy was what made him happy. Joe will be greatly missed, and his life will be celebrated by all his family and friends!
Thank you to Pastor Tony Sifuentes and his wife Martha of the North Side Assembly of God for your prayers and support.