Burton Lee Anderson

Long time educator, Burton "Burt" Lee Anderson, age 93 of Mankato, died peacefully Friday, October 29th, 2021. Burt was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato for many years and has gone home to his Lord and Savior. A private family gathering will be held at a future date.

Burt was born April 22,1928 to Oscar and Bertha (Larson) Anderson in Mankato, MN. He graduated from Mankato High School. Burt went on to earn a BA, BS & MA degree from Mankato State College. During the early years of his college education, Burt entered the US Army where he was initially stationed at Fort Sheridan Illinois. Burt was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal in 1954.

In 1953 Burt married Ladella "Dodie" Joy Lowe. They were married for 68 years and had one daughter; Kim Marie Anderson, who died in June of 2021.

After college, Burt started his teaching career as principal at the Good Thunder School where he also coached all boys' athletics. He then taught at Chatfield High School in Chatfield Minnesota where he also coached boys' athletics. In 1958, Burt assumed the principal's position at Red Wing Elementary in Red Wing Minnesota. In 1960 Burt accepted a teaching and coaching position in the Mankato School district. Burt continued to teach at Mankato West High School until retirement in 1993. He had great joy in teaching for many years and had wonderful memories of his students. During his teaching career, on several occasions, he would take groups of students to Washington DC for civics and government study field trips. Many of his students continued to stay in touch with Burt which was very important to him. He always had a special place in his heart for young people and very much enjoyed spending time with and helping them to become better adults.

A natural athlete, Burt excelled at all sports but preferred fast pitch softball and baseball. Burt stayed actively involved with athletics at West High School during his entire teaching career and beyond. Burt was very active his entire life, participating in athletics in various forms.

Burt loved bass fishing and was an excellent fisherman. He enjoyed fishing his entire lifetime with his brothers, friends, nephews, and nieces. Burt had many cherished memories of times with his nieces and nephews - fishing, swimming or just spending time together.

Burt is survived by his wife Ladella "Dodie" of 68 years, brothers Laverne "Barney" Anderson and James Anderson. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law along with many nieces and nephews.

Burt was proceeded in death by his parents, daughter Kim and brothers George, Robert, and Jerome Anderson. He was also preceded in death by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato. Please sign the on-line guestbook and condolence for the family at www.mankatomortuary.com.