Folks here were saddened on the evening of Wednesday, April 2, when word arrived that Larry Anderson, a life-long member of the Rutland community, had passed away at about 4:00 that afternoon, after a courageous 3-year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a patient in the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford Health in Fargo at the time of his death. He had attained the age of 68 years, 1 month and 13 days. Larry Norman Anderson was born February 21, 1946 in Britton, SD to Roy N. and Helen M. (Hermanson) Anderson. He was the fourth of their six children. He grew up on the family's farm in Ransom Township and attended his first 2 years of Elementary School at Ransom #2. He completed Elementary School and the first 2 years of High School in Rutland, graduating from Sargent Central High School in 1965. He was physically big and strong, and always the protector of the small, weak and defenseless. A big smile, complete with dimples, and a hearty laugh were Larry's trademarks. He, along with his friend and neighbor, Louis Siemieniewski, often enjoyed hitching a horse to the old buggy that had once belonged to Larry's grandparents, and driving into Cayuga or Rutland to cruise the streets with their friends, the old-fashioned way. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Dianna Preble, daughter of the late Clements Preble and Hazel (Sundlie) Preble of Rutland, on July 15, 1967, in Rutland. They became the parents of three children: Paulette, Michael, and JoLyn. Larry called Rutland "home," and he lived his entire life on the farm in Ransom Township. Larry's farming career began with Pherson Custom Combining of Rutland, on the harvest run from Oklahoma to Canada. He spent his down time and off-season performing carpentry work with his friend and mentor, Dennis Narum. He worked for the Rutland Farmers Co-op Grain Co. in Rutland for several years in the late 60s and early 70s. He was employed by Bob and Violet Wyum and their three sons, Mark, Steven, and Michael, in their farming operation for more than 30 years, while continuing his own farming and livestock activities. He continued farming as long as he was able. Larry was a member of the Nordland Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He also served on the Rutland Cemetery Board and was a Ransom Township Supervisor, as well as being an active participant in projects of the Rutland Community Club. He helped put together "The World's Largest Hamburger" for Rutland's Centennial Celebration back in 1982, and was one of those instrumental in the success of that adventure. During the 60s and 70s Larry was a member of the Rutland Men's Slowpitch Softball team that won several major tournaments in North Dakota and Minnesota. He was a powerful hitter, and could throw like a cannon. He enjoyed big game hunting, camping, playing the guitar, and farming. Larry continued to farm with his son, Michael, after his retirement. Farming was his life long passion, and he enjoyed sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. Larry was a caring, big-hearted person who enjoyed the company of friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dianna Anderson of Rutland; 2 daughters: Paulette Gulsvig of Fargo; and, JoLyn Gross of Underwood, ND; 1 son: Michael Anderson of Rutland; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; 5 siblings: Richard Anderson of Rutland; Beverly Brezicka of Forman; Janice Lee of Detroit Lakes MN; Diane Baker of Rogers MN; and, Charles Anderson of Havana; numerous nieces and nephews; and, by a host of friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Helen Anderson; a brother-in-law, Neal Preble and a niece, Sarah Preble. The funeral was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2014 at the Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland with Pastor Liesebet Gravley officiating. Burial was in the Rutland Cemetery. Visitation was from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Nordland, with a 3:30 p.m. prayer service that included many reminiscences by family and friends. Price Funeral Chapel of Britton and Forman was in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that memorials be directed to Nordland Lutheran Church at 311 Cooper Street, Rutland ND 58067; or, to the Rutland Cemetery Association, c/o Mary Woytassek, Treasurer, 13863 94th Street SE, Rutland ND 58067; or, to their local Relay for Life group to continue Larry's battle against cancer. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Dianna Anderson, Rutland ND 58067. The Rutland community extends its condolences to the family and friends of Larry Anderson, a steadfast friend and loyal companion in this life.