Marshall Dean Anderson, 86

April 28, 2025

Marshall Dean Anderson, 86, of Millersville, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by his children.

Marshall was born on November 7, 1938, in St. Peter, Minnesota, to George and Edith (Carlson) Anderson. From an early age, Marshall embodied a deep love of learning, music, and service. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth and was active in theater, choir, band (as a drummer), and served as co-editor of his high school yearbook. He graduated from St. Peter High School in 1956.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1960 and a master’s degree from Kansas State University in 1962. He pursued further doctoral work at the University of Illinois before relocating to Pennsylvania to accept a teaching position at Millersville University, where he served with dedication as a mathematics professor from 1967 until his retirement in 2004.

Marshall was a faithful and active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lancaster from 1968 onward. Over the years, he taught Bethel and Sunday School classes, sang in the choir, rang in the bell choir, and visited shut-ins, offering friendship and comfort. Music was one of Marshall’s great passions – he was a gifted tenor who performed with the Lancaster Opera Workshop, Heritage Chorale, and spent 25 seasons with the Lancaster Symphony Chorus. Among his most cherished memories was performing at Carnegie Hall.

He met the love of his life, Ruth (Brown) Anderson, on a blind date, and together they shared 53 joyful years of marriage. They traveled extensively across Europe, explored the Panama Canal, and spent many happy summers camping throughout the United States. Marshall was a devoted stamp collector, a proud steward of his Swedish heritage, and a masterful teller of Ole and Lena jokes delivered in an unforgettable Swedish accent. He delighted in reading stories to his grandchildren, solving logic puzzles, and tackling complex jigsaw puzzles.

Marshall is survived by his three children: Jennifer Larkin (Shane) of Blacksburg, VA; Brian Anderson (Allison) of Alexandria, VA; and Kristi Raugh (Steve) of Willow Street, PA; and by eight beloved grandchildren: Matthew, Jeremy, and Kira Larkin; Genevieve and Georgia Anderson; and Julie, Dana, and Adam Raugh. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Johnson, of Toronto, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents George and Edith Anderson, and his brother Winston Anderson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 500 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church at the address above or to the ASPCA.