Gerald Raymond, G.R. “Swede” Anderson
On the evening of August 12th 2017, The Lord called Swede home, he passed away peacefully from natural causes at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena, MT just before midnight. Swede knew Jesus and was being comforted and visited by his wife and son at the time of his passing. Swede had just turned 82 at the end of June.
Swede was born on the family farm in Stacy, MN on June 30 1935. He was the third and youngest child of Raymond and Edith Anderson.
Swede grew up a farm boy but couldn’t wait to see the world. At 16, he headed to the Glacier Park, Polebridge, Montana area, big for his age, he convinced the boss he was old enough to become a logger. He returned home later to sign up with the United States Marine Corps. After the time spent in service of our country, Swede headed to the wild west town of Cheyenne, WY and became a motorcycle cop. Next came a lifelong career of building. Swede found his calling building everything from custom homes for Frank Sinatra in Palm Springs, CA, to high rise hotels on the beaches of FL. to working in 23 remote Alaskan villages building schools, jails, and housing. He always pushed his men hard, treated them with respect, and made them feel valuable. He’d say, “A man who don’t know what he’s worth, ain’t worth much.” And then tell you what a great job you were doing. Swede was old school, with a heart of gold.
In his 30’s he married Kelly and they joined families. The construction industry took them from FL to CO to AK and MT. where he and Kelly fell in love with the big sky country and settled into a beautifully crafted, hand built home on the hill in Townsend, built of course, with love, by Swede himself.
Sunday’s were spent watching the Minnesota Vikings try to make it to another super bowl with his two best friends, Kelly and Skye the dog or traveling and camping across the west.
After semi-retiring, Swede got his real estate license and was with Real Estate of Montana, LLP, he always had a smile ready to flash.
Swede was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Edith Anderson and his sister Lois Barott.
Swede is survived by his wife Kelly, sister Dianne Koester, son Todd Anderson, stepsons Scott (Cheryl) Newcomb, Mark (Sharon) Newcomb, Bryon (Laurie) Newcomb, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway in Townsend. Graveside services will follow the viewing at 2:00 p.m. at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend.
Steve says
Kelly, Todd and family,
We send our deepest sympathy and love. Jerry was a great guy and he will be missed by all. We will miss the phone calls and jokes. We have a lot of good memories growing up and through the years. Even though he left Minnesota I (Steve) was always able to find him. May he rest in peace and someday we will be together again. Love to all.. Steve, Donna and family.
Leigh Ann Bradley (Hern) says
PO Box 1244
1716 Hillcrest Lane
Dani Martin says
I’m so very sorry and sad for the loss of an amazing story teller and friend. I lower his ears for many many years and enjoys all his stories, life struggles and acccoplishments. What a heart of gold for sure! My land purchased from Gerry, what he looked bed for me to call him, and my barber chair will always have a great memory of his smile and all American love for his country. Thank you Kelly and family for sharing in this amazing adventure he called living. I’m truly blessed to have known such a great man. Now keep our waters high and fires away from “the good old Radersburg land” ❤️ Love that Martin’s, and your favorite Barber Dani Rae
Mike and Penny Jenkins says
Kelly and family. Just now saw this and wanted to extend our thoughts and prayers with you all. May God comfort you all.
Love,
Mike and Penny Jenkins