Donald Claire Anderson

Donald Claire Anderson passed away 28 January 2017 at Valley Vista Care Center surrounded by his family. He was the second child born to Jens Madsen and Leona Andrea Damgaard Anderson on March 14, 1928 in Upland, Nebraska. Don joined his older sister Arlene Doneta and the family was complete with the addition of two younger brothers, Wayne Lemoyne and Chester Eric Anderson.  He had vivid memories of the dust storms in Nebraska and remembered well the family’s move to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1941. 

As a teenager, one of his jobs was delivering telegrams for Western Union. He remembered riding his bike and delivering telegrams to the families of soldiers who had been wounded, missing inaction, or killed in WWII.  He attended Twin Falls High School.  Don joined the U.S. Navy in August 1945 and was honorably discharged in March 1949.  Upon his return, he worked at various places before starting his long-time job at McVey’s International Harvester.  He began in the mechanic’s shop and eventually moved to the parts department. Don enjoyed working for Merton McVey, and his wife Emma. When McVey’s sold the truck line to Tom Kalange Don was asked to be the Parts Manager for Magic Valley International. Working in parts was his career until he retired at the age of 80. He knew just about everything there was to know about trucks. He knew the name of the part, where to find it, and how you broke it! Don loved working parts and visiting with the customers. 

Shortly after returning from the Navy Don met the love of his life, Marian Lois Hall. Don and Marian were married on December 17, 1949, on his parents 25^th Wedding Anniversary. They are the parents of 4 children: Janice, Jack, Scott and Nancy. Don joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1961. The family was sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple in June of 1962. He was a devoted church member for the rest of his life.

Don served in the Scouting program for over 50 years, teaching young men about life. He was a devoted Boy Scout leader and fully understood the good that came into the lives of boys through the Scout program. He recognized the importance of serving and helped the young men appreciate the value of the Scout slogan: Do a good turn daily. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1970 and in March 2016 received the Sentinel Award from the Snake River Council for his years of service and for the impact he had in many young men’s lives.

As much as Don loved working at the parts counter and with the Boy Scouts, he loved his wife and family most. Nothing brought him greater joy then being with his family. Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Three years ago, Don and Marian relocated to Orem, Utah. Due to health problems, Don came to live with his son Scott and daughter-in-law Susan in November 2015. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, both brothers, daughter-in-law Marilyn and twin great-grandsons Bridger Terry and Weston Donald Heinz. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marian, daughter Janice (Jan) Heinz, Pocatello, son Jack (D.Ann) Anderson of Oceanside, CA., son Scott (Susan) Anderson of Rupert and daughter Nancy (David) Draper of Orem, Utah, 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Arlene Miller, Lancaster CA., two sisters-in-law, Margrett Anderson, Twin Falls, Cordella Anderson, Meridian, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 5 – 7 P.M. at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls.. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10:00 A. M.  Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard and internment will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Don’s family is so grateful for the tender care given by Minidoka Home Health & Hospice and Valley Vista Care Center—both the staff and residents. Words cannot express our gratitude for all you did for him.

Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com