Joel E. Anderson

Joel E. Anderson, 77, of Grand Forks, previously of Hoople, ND, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Joel was born Aug. 18, 1943, in Grafton, ND, to George (Bud) and Phyllis (Larson) Anderson.

He graduated from Hoople High School in 1961. On July 8, 1961, Joel married Sharon (Estad). He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1966 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Art. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration.

For many years Joel worked as a teacher, including as principal in the Valley Hoople/Crystal School District. He went on to manage Hoople Potato Products.

Joel was an active volunteer in Hoople, serving as an EMT for the Hoople Ambulance for 19 years, a Boy Scout leader, baseball coach, Hoople Swimming Pool board member, and First Lutheran Church Council member. He was currently a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where he was an active volunteer.

Joel loved to fly, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Owners’ Association. He was proud to receive the Young Eagle Award for giving over 100 plane rides to local kids. To celebrate his 70 ^th birthday, Joel went skydiving.

One of Joel’s many talents was playing a variety of musical instruments by ear; including piano, guitar, accordion, and mandolin. He was also a gifted painter.

Being a grandfather and great grandfather were highlights in Joel’s life, and his grandchildren will remember his adventurous spirit.

Survivors include Sharon, his wife of 59 years; daughter Tammy (Jeff) Walker, Bozeman, MT; son William (Holly) Anderson, Crookston, MN; granddaughter Nichole (Sage) Bailey, Ennis, MT; and grandsons Andrew (Maggie) Walker, Columbus, MT; and Thomas and Jack Anderson, Crookston; and great granddaughters Amelia and Aubrey Bailey; siblings Don (Ellen) Anderson, Barb (Steve) Boone, all of Grand Forks; and Rebecca Jill (Mike) Donahue, McVille, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Joel was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother James.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Hoople City Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.