Neil Andrew Andersen

Neil Andrew Andersen, 83, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and deep devotion to his family. Neil was born on November 28, 1942, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Andrew Dale Andersen and Elvira Elizabeth (Fuhrman) Andersen. He grew up alongside his older sister, Mary Elizabeth, and his younger brother, Buel Edward, on the family farm. It was there that hard work, humility, and respect for others became the foundational values of his life. Life on the farm was busy, but there were also chances to steal away down to the river for some well-earned cooling off. After graduating from Norfolk Senior High School in 1960, Neil attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned an engineering degree, enjoyed athletics, and developed a great sense of pride in the Cornhuskers that stayed with him throughout his life. Following college, Neil moved to the Twin Cities, where he met the love of his life, Paulette Anne Akin. They were married on June 13, 1970, and built a life together in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, raising their two sons, Todd Andrew and Daren Paul. Their Catholic faith was a guiding presence throughout, and they were active members of St. William's Catholic Church in Fridley, Minnesota. Neil spent his professional career at Control Data and Ceridian, where he was respected for his teamwork, dedication, and steady approach to his work and to the people around him. Neil's greatest joy was always his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to gather with loved ones, no matter the distance. Annual family reunions in Norfolk, Nebraska, holiday celebrations with relatives across the country, family vacations, and cheering from the sidelines or audience at his grandsons' sporting events and musical performances became some of his happiest memories. Neil will be remembered most for his enormous heart. He could always be counted on to be capable, dependable, and trustworthy. Humble, patient, and generous, he lived out his faith through acts of service, from volunteering to count collections or counseling young couples through their church to helping his sons with home and garden projects. Neil found joy in life's simple pleasures and learning new things. He loved watching sports, staying active, and spending time with friends. A voracious reader, he was a familiar face at his local library and could often be found with a book nearby. He loved talking with people whose backgrounds and perspectives differed from his own, and he did so with genuine curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Retirement gave Neil even more opportunities to stay active and connected. At the Lino Lakes YMCA, he attended fitness classes and played pickleball nearly every day, forming a community that enriched his retirement years. Those who knew Neil will remember his gentle spirit, steady kindness, quick wit, and dependable sense of humor. He was also affectionately known as a dedicated grazer. Whether sampling the homemade Chex Mix during the holidays, sneaking bites of Thanksgiving turkey while carving it, enjoying a bowl of popcorn at home, or insisting that his toast and cookies be toasted well beyond what most people would consider done, they were small joys that made him unmistakably Neil. Although Parkinson's presented continued physical and cognitive challenges in Neil's later years, it did not eclipse his light nor dim his spirit. Even as Parkinson's changed what he could do, it never diminished the kindness, humor, and faith in God's mercy that defined him. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Elvira Andersen, and his brother, Buel Andersen. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Paulette; his sons, Todd (Amy) and Daren (Melissa); his grandsons, Ethan Neil Andersen and Garrett Bernard Andersen; his sister, Mary Booth; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss his steady presence and loving heart. A casual Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at New Perspective Arden Hills, 3565 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, enjoy a light lunch, and celebrate the life and legacy of Neil. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages memorial donations to the Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota & Dakotas or the Alzheimer's Association in Neil's honor.

Neil Andrew Andersen

November 28, 1942 - June 26, 2026

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