Richard John Anderson |
| Posted 2026-01-17 by mhenderson |
| Published by Today's News-Herald on Jan 17, 2026 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - (personal article, page 5A) Richard John “Dick” Anderson, 84, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, due to complications related to Lewy body dementia. A lifelong coach, teacher, and businessman, Dick dedicated his life to inspiring others and building a legacy of hard work, compassion, and community. Born in Madison, South Dakota, on June 3, 1941, Dick spent his life uplifting those around him — whether in the classroom, on the field, or in his business ventures. He had a natural gift for leadership and a genuine interest in people, which made everyone he met feel valued and seen. After graduating from Dakota State University in 1963, Dick began a coaching career that would span six high schools across four states — South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Over the years, he became known not just for his winning record, but for his ability to mold young athletes into confident, disciplined leaders both on and off the field. His teams achieved tremendous success, compiling a record of 149 wins, 68 losses, and 3 ties. Among his proudest accomplishments were two Nebraska State Football Championships and leading the 1985 Grand Island Northwest Vikings to an undefeated season — a team still remembered as one of the strongest in Nebraska high school football history. Dick’s leadership and dedication earned him numerous honors, including Nebraska Coach of the Year (1986), Nebraska District 4 Coach of the Year (1982), and multiple Sportscaster and local coaching awards throughout the early to mid-1980s. He was also selected to coach in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl games, both as an assistant and head coach, further solidifying his reputation as one of the state’s most respected mentors. More than the wins and accolades, Dick’s success as a coach came from his team-first philosophy and deep belief in character-driven leadership. He taught his players that individual stats mattered less than teamwork, discipline, and integrity. He encouraged accountability through support, demanded mastery of fundamentals, and turned the locker room into a classroom where life skills — resilience, work ethic, respect, and humility — were the true lessons learned. Any telling of Dick’s story would be incomplete without his beloved wife, Judy Anderson, his equal partner in every endeavor. Together they shared life’s decisions — moves, career changes, and community commitments — building not only a strong family but also a shared purpose rooted in faith, generosity, and service. Following a move to Arizona in 1998, Dick and Judy began a new chapter that evolved into a thriving family business when they purchased Corral Chrysler Plymouth Dodge Jeep Eagle in 1999 and then purchased and built Toyota in Lake Havasu City. Dick and Judy’s commitment to education and mentorship extended beyond the classroom and field. They established the Richard and Judy Anderson Endowed Scholarship at Dakota State University, supporting student- athletes and reflecting their shared belief that opportunity, preparation, and character are essential to success. Dick and Judy’s business awarded them numerous opportunities to travel the world. Their shared love for cruises made for countless unforgettable memories. Dick was also an esteemed member of the Tehama Shriners Hastings, Nebraska and Elks, and his contributions to the community included serving on several boards including the Partnership for Economic Development and the Interagency of Lake Havasu. His love and passion for coaching football continued at Lake Havasu High School. He also proudly served his country during his time in the South Dakota Army National Guard. Outside of his work, Dick was devoted to his family. He cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and always a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Dick and Judy always enjoyed attending all of their sporting events. He died peacefully, surrounded by family — leaving behind a legacy that will continue to live on through all who were lucky enough to know him. Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy Anderson; his children, Jason (Christy) Anderson, and Melissa (Joe) Murdock; his sister, Sharon Perez; half-siblings Mariann Oyen and Ted (Karla) Anderson; step- sisters Lorraine Judstra and Christine (Gerald) Van Emmerik; grandchildren Joshua (Mandie) Falldorf, Zachary (Shelly) Falldorf, Whitney (Blake Forrester) Falldorf, Emily (Matt) Miller, Nicholas Anderson, Megan Anderson, and Anna Anderson; great-grandchildren Weston Falldorf, Cashton Falldorf, Stetson Falldorf, Remi Hale, Brooks Miller, Liam Forrester, Rowan Forrester, Sadie Forrester; sister-in-law Melodee Anderson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Anderson, mother Rosella Gudahl Anderson, stepmother Fern Anderson, brother Roger Anderson, and brothers-in-law John Perez, Charles Oyen, and Charles Judstra. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City, AZ; the Northwest Education Foundation in Grand Island, Nebraska (specially earmarked for the boys’ football team); the K12 Foundation in Lake Havasu; Milemarkers; or New Horizons. Dick’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 31, 2026 at the Nautical Inn, 1 PM - 5 PM. For those traveling from out of town, the Anderson family has reserved rooms at the Nautical Inn. The group code is 504977. The link is listed below. To honor the life of Richard "Dick" John Anderson, we invite you to leave memories, tributes, and upload photos to his memorial page at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com . Let us remember Richard Anderson with smiles and thankfulness for the times we shared. |
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