Richard Anderson

Richard Alan Anderson passed away on January 24, 2021 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the New Life Church in Choteau followed by burial in Choteau Cemetery.



Richard was born on July 14, 1951 in Fosston, MN to Earl and Flossie (DeFrang) Anderson. He joined brothers, Howard, Clayton and Larry. The family moved to the Dutton-Brady area of Montana in 1953. He graduated from Brady High School in 1969.



Richard worked on several different ranches in the area in his younger years doing something he loved, riding horses and working cattle. He was a pioneer of A.I. in the cattle industry and was sought out for his expert knowledge and services around the state. Later in life, Richard switched careers and became a feed salesman. Richard excelled in the field winning many awards and trips nationally and internationally for him and Debbie to enjoy. Richard served for years in 4-H helping his own children, nieces, grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, as well as all the 4-H youth in Teton County Livestock Program. He also served on the board for the Choteau Youth Ranch for several years. He was well loved and was still in contact with many of the young men who were there. Richard was a member of New Life Church in Choteau where he served as a deacon for several years.



Richard married Debbie Gefeller on October 14, 1972 in Choteau, MT. They had four children, Keith, Kelli Jo, Tabitha and Jer.



Richard will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was a well-loved, fun-loving guy who enjoyed camping with his kids, grandkids and friends and playing cards with his and Debbie's pinochle partners Jim and Sandie Hodgskiss. Richard was known for teasing the kids, his sense of humor, root beer floats and chocolate milkshakes (must be made with vanilla ice cream) for dipping his fries.



Richard is survived by his wife, Debbie of 48 years, sons Keith and Jer, daughter Kelli Jo (Clint) Berlin, grandchildren, Brittany, Baylee, Faith, Grace, Alle, Garett and Bostyn and one great-grandson Beckett. He is also survived by his brother Clayton (Christine), sisters-in-law Yvonne Paulsen and Karen Carlson, nieces and nephews, Mindy, Krissi, Lon, Shane, Roger, Dan, Traci and Shelby and many great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Alan Guerrero and his children, who adopted Richard as his Dad, while at the Choteau Youth Ranch.



He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Larry and Howard, daughter Tabitha and brother-in-law, Jim Carlson.



Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com