Donald "Hager" Anderson

Donald Hager Anderson, age 90 of Quinnesec, passed into the fulness of eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 5th, 2023. Born in Norway to Anton G. and Olga (Hager) Anderson he was the last of seven siblings. He graduated from Norway High School in 1951. In 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, the former Roxanne Larsen. They became parents of three sons born into a loving family and they always supported any endeavors the boys were involved in. The family also enjoyed camping extensively throughout the US. From 1953 to 1956 he served in the US Army with 18 months spent in Korea. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant. An attraction to law enforcement brought him to the Michigan State Police academy where he graduated in 1957. He later received an associates degree in Law Enforcement from Oakland University. He served with assignments in St Ignace, Blissfield, and Detroit posts. His community involvement resulted in being named Trooper of the Year for 1966. He retired in 1981 as detective sergeant. Upon retirement, he and Roxanne moved back to Dickinson county. His entrepreneurial ambitions led him into starting various businesses. This included a chauffeur travel service, selling cordless home phones, business phone systems, and he was the first cellular one dealer in this area. Both he and Roxanne were avid cross country skiers, skiing locally, and in Norway Europe. In his 50’s he completed 10 consecutive 55K (34 mile) American Birkebeiner ski races. A life long golfer, he was a member of Oak Crest and Pine Grove. At 74 his skills showed themselves when he shot his age at Pine Grove. In 2016 Hager was selected as retiree of the year by the Michigan State Police. This was brought about by his successful efforts in raising the pensions of 96 retirees who were living below the poverty line. This did not include himself. This was one way he lived out his life’s motto “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” He was a 40 year member of Redemption Hill Church serving in the bus ministry, welcome ministry, and missions committee. Being conservation minded he served on the Fumee Lake commission for 9 years. Hager is survived by Roxanne to whom he was married for 70 years and three sons Kevin (Lynn), Brian (Vickie) of Quinnesec and Glenn (Kathie) of New Gloucester, Maine, 8 grandchildren, David, Amy, Daniel, Julie, Jenee, Derek, John, and Aaron. He had 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents and siblings Ardith, Eileen, Irving, Lillian, Viola, and Roy. The family is extremely grateful to the entire staff at Optalis (Manor Care) during the last 4 years of his life. Their compassionate care is deeply appreciated and will long be remembered. In Hager’s memory those wishing to do so may make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse or Fumee Lake Natural Area, PO Box 609, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Visitation will be at Redemption Hill Church 332 S. Carpenter Ave KIngsford, MI from 9-11am on Saturday, June 10, 2023 with funeral service starting at 11am. The Family has entrusted the Erickson Rochon Nash Funeral home of Iron Mountain, MI with arrangements.

Donald "Hager" Anderson

March 6, 1933 - June 5, 2023