Toby Anderson

TOBY ANDERSON was born on September 13, 1930 to Tobias and Alvina (Smith) Anderson in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm south of town and graduated from Luverne High School in 1948. Following his education, Toby worked at Gamble’s Store. He entered the United States Army in January of 1951 and served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge, Toby returned to Luverne and went to work for Nelson’s Hardware. On July 20, 1961, Toby was united in marriage to Margaret Bofenkamp at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth, Minnesota. The couple made their home on South Cottage Grove in Luverne, where they were blessed with their two children and numerous memories. In 1968, Toby went to work for the City of Luverne in the public works department. He worked alongside of many good people, who also became friends. He retired from the city in 1992. He then filled his time with his dogs, tinkering in his shop, collecting small model tractors and volunteering at church.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2017, Toby died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 87 years and seven days.

Toby was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Luverne, where he served as an usher and was a sacristan for many years. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Dell Hogan American Legion Post #123. Toby loved animals, tinkering in his shop, collecting toy tractors, mowing the yard and was an avid reader; especially of Popular Mechanics and Country Living. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and the Minnesota Twins. Toby was a man of few words. He will be remembered for his kindness and honesty.

Toby is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Margie; two children, Julie (Wesley) Obritsch of Lanesboro, Minnesota, and Tim (Barb) Anderson of Luverne; five grandchildren, Sarah and Olivia Obritsch, and Jessica, Kaitlyn and Abigail Anderson; sister, Margaret Hoh of Ellsworth; sister-in-law, Joann Anderson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leon Anderson; and brother-in-law, Warren Hoh.