Jonathan D. Anderson

Jonathan Anderson, 81, of Mandan, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Bismarck.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7111 Williamson Drive, Bismarck, with Pastor Matt Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Jonathan was born on August 27, 1944, to Reuben and Irma (Fruechte) Anderson. He was the oldest of four children and was raised alongside his sister, Dorothy Johnson, and brothers, Kenneth and Loren Anderson. He graduated from Spring Grove High School in Spring Grove, Minnesota, and continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he studied agricultural economics and animal science. He later earned a Master's degree in Economics from North Dakota State University in 1971 and an accounting degree from Illinois State College in 1987.

Jonathan proudly served in the Army National Guard from January 31, 1967, through January 30, 1973, attaining the rank of Specialist 5.

On May 31, 1969, Jonathan married Mary Ann M. Hicken. Together they built a life centered around family and welcomed three children, Dan, Anita, and David. They also experienced the heartbreak of three miscarriages.

Jonathan began his career farming near Spring Grove, Minnesota, where he raised dairy cattle and grew crops for ten years. He later moved to Nebraska, where he worked for the Farmers Home Administration. He then accepted a position with the City of Peoria, Illinois, working in economic development.

In 1992, Jonathan moved to Bismarck after accepting a position with the North Dakota Economic Development Office. His commitment for education, economics, and helping others eventually led him to Sitting Bull College, where he served for 22 years as the Director of the Entrepreneurial Center and also worked as an accounting instructor.

Before retiring in February 2026, Jonathan worked part-time as a loan officer at Native, Inc. in Bismarck.

Jonathan was a founding member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Bismarck, a place that held a special meaning for him. He also believed in serving his community. For the past ten years, he volunteered with Ministry on the Margins during their food pantry distributions, helping provide winter hats and scarves, Bibles, and other necessities to those in need.

An avid gardener, Jonathan found great enjoyment in tending to his garden and sharing the fruits of his work with others. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of learning, his generous spirit, and his commitment to serving others.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, Dan (Tina) Anderson and their children, Andrew, Bailee (Tyler Nelson), and Alexis; Anita (Tyler) Halvorson and their children, Carissa (Cale) Turner and Kaylie; and David (Kari) Anderson and their children, Ashton and Camri. He is also survived by one very special family he lovingly called "ours," Chris and Staci Hoffman and their children, Codi, Paige, and Hailey.He is preceded in death y his parents and brother-in-law, Earl Johnson.

At Jonathan's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch or Ministry on the Margins.