Oscar D. Anderson, M.D.

Dr. Oscar D. Anderson, age 96, died peacefully on November 9, 2019 at his home in North Mankato.  Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 15 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato.  Private family interment will be held later.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 at the Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, and at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Oscar, son of Judge O.J. and Anna (Nylander) Anderson was born on August 4, 1923. He achieved Eagle Scout and graduated salutatorian from Buffalo High School. He finished medical school at the University of Minnesota in 1955.  One week later, on June 18, he married Dorothy (Dibbern) in Luverne. He went on to specialize in Ophthalmology.  The couple moved to Mankato in 1960 where he began his practice.  In 1987 he founded Ophthalmology Associates and built (with dermatologist David Grande) one of the first office buildings on Adams Street. He was well-loved by his patients and peers.  During his career he was Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at the former Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital and a council member of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. 

He was passionate about many things. He was a lifetime member of the American Medical Association, was on the Boards of Directors for the Mankato Lutheran Home (now Pathstone Living) and MRCI, he was a leader of Bible Study Fellowship, taught Sunday School, served on the church council and sang in the choir.  He was humbled to receive the KEYC Good People award in 1986.  He retired in 1993 and fully enjoyed summers at Lake Washington, rotary club, golf, fishing, photography, music, motorcycles and grandchildren.  Always in pursuit of self-improvement he was an insatiable reader and developed into an exceptional woodworker.

Although he had a myriad of interests, his love of God and family came first.  He was grateful to have all four of his children graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.  Over their 64 years of marriage, Oscar and Dorothy were truly partners in business and in life.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Anderson. Children and grandchildren: Lisa (Michael) Johnson, Andrew, Gena, Jillian; David Anderson; Steven (Carol) Anderson, Ingrid, Joshua, Ethan; Kristin (Vince) Vanella, Charles, Jack, Jessica and Michael, two great-grandchildren, and sister Delores (Harold) Erickson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to Global Eye Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, Grace Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.