David Anderson

David "Andy" Lynn Anderson will be remembered for his genuine character, understated wit, deep love for family, passion for sports, and lifelong dedication to teaching. He passed away peacefully on the morning of May 18, 2025, with his wife of 42 years by his side.

Dave was born on August 17, 1949, in Spring Grove, MN, to Alton and Lorraine (Welper) Anderson. He grew up in Mabel, MN, and graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 1967. Dave's love for baseball began early, playing with his brothers on the family farm. After high school, he went on to pitch for Winona State College, helping lead the team to the NAIA College World Series in 1972. He later played for the Rochester Royals amateur team.

On August 14, 1982, Dave married the love of his life, Jane Levisen, in Albert Lea, MN. The couple made their home in Rochester, MN. He began his career as a student teacher at Byron High School, where he taught science for 34 years before retiring in 2005. During his time at Byron, he served as the head baseball coach for 18 seasons, compiling a career record of 206-195, including two trips to the state tournament and four HVL Conference titles. He also coached Babe Ruth League and Legion baseball teams.

Dave's contributions were recognized with Section 1A Coach of the Year Awards and the Jim Dimick Retired Coach Award in 2010. He was inducted into the Byron Hall of Fame in 2012. Above all, it was Dave's patience-both in the classroom and on the field-and his commitment to teaching players to play the game the right way that will be remembered most.

After retirement, Dave continued to share his love for the game through coaching. He volunteered at Rochester John Marshall, where his son Brian played, and helped guide the Rochester Patriots (JM's Legion team) to the Minnesota State Division I American Legion Baseball championship in 2009. For over a decade, he helped coach Brian and his friends-something he was truly proud of.

Dave also assisted with the baseball program at Pine Island High School, coaching alongside his brother, Craig-a full-circle moment, as the two were once longtime high school coaching rivals in the same conference. In later years, he found great joy playing in the Rochester MN Senior Softball League (RMSS), where his lifelong dedication to the sport was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. He served as a manager for many of those years, earning a reputation as a respected leader in the league.

Beyond playing and coaching, Dave was a registered official with the Minnesota State High School League, officiating basketball for 40 years and volleyball for 10. He was also a dedicated member of the Rochester Area Officials Association for four decades. In 2022, Dave was honored with the MSHSL Officials Distinguished Service Award, which he shared with his longtime officiating partner of more than 30 years. Dave never took shortcuts. He was always the last to leave the ball field-perfecting the pitching mound and batter's box, or studying the officials' rule book to stay sharp and prepared.

Dave was also an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, gardening, bird watching, tending to his yard, practicing photography, and reading the newspaper. He loved taking family vacations to places with history, and he and Jane were fortunate to spend several winters in Arizona with friends. A longtime Gopher football season ticket holder, Dave loved traveling across the U.S. with Jane and their "Gopher crew" to attend games-some of their favorite shared memories. You could always find him with binoculars around his neck and headphones on, listening to the announcers call the game.

Dave and Jane raised two children, and he never missed a chance to tell them how proud he was. He was their go-to homework helper, trusted advisor, and biggest encourager. His love and support were constant. Though he won't be here to watch his grandchildren grow, his family finds comfort knowing he'll be cheering them on from above as they discover their passions.

Dave approached life the way Harry Caray called a baseball game-full of enthusiasm, humor, and heart. As Harry would say, "You can't beat fun at the old ballpark."

He is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Sally (Chris) Zibrowski and Brian (Katie) Anderson; grandchildren, Owen, Jay, and Nellie; and siblings, Dan (Kathy) Anderson, Craig (Sue) Anderson, Colleen (Bob) Swenson, Kevin (Laura) Anderson, and Kent (Deb) Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre (5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901). We will gather for a short prayer and a few words of remembrance at 3pm. Memorials will be directed to various charities in his honor, including the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mayo Clinic Hospice and the staff at Cottagewood for the compassionate care provided over the past two years.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Anderson family.