Paul Anderson
Paul Warren Anderson, formerly of Canby and most recently of Alexandria, Minn., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, with a prayer service at 5 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery near Canby. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Paul Warren Anderson was born and raised in Slayton, Minn., to Elder and Edith Anderson. He graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University, where he met his college sweetheart, Jeanne. They married after graduation and shared 53 years together.
Early in their marriage, Paul and Jeanne moved throughout the Midwest as he worked for Woolworth. They eventually settled in Canby, where Paul managed Jim’s Market for 32 years. He became a familiar and well-loved presence in the community, known for his strong work ethic, humor and genuine care for others.
Paul and Jeanne raised their daughter, Kirstin, and later embraced the role of grandparents. Paul especially enjoyed following Kirstin’s endurance adventures and his grandsons baseball games, football games and other family events. After moving to Alexandria to be closer to them, he was always ready to get in the car and go wherever they were.
At home, Paul enjoyed woodworking and built beautiful furniture that his family will treasure for generations. He also took pride in tending his hosta garden and watching things grow.
Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Those close to him knew his unique sign of affection — a well-timed flip of the bird, usually accompanied by a familiar grin.
He also had a sweet tooth. A true Swede, Paul seemed to have a sixth sense for finding hidden candy. Pancakes required plenty of syrup, everything was better with ketchup and there was always room for dessert. During his final days, one phrase became a favorite family memory: “Let’s do the Coke.”
Although dementia changed much in Paul’s final years, it did not erase everything that mattered to him. He remembered his parents and sister, knew about his grandson’s upcoming wedding and looked forward to his youngest grandson’s baseball and football games. Music also remained a source of connection. Paul grew up singing in church, and his family could still sing old country songs with him, including “Ring of Fire.”
Faith was an important part of Paul’s life. He grew up in the Baptist church, later belonged to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church after moving to Alexandria. Even when other memories faded, familiar hymns remained.
Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne; his daughter, Kirstin (Brandon) Girard; his grandchildren, Matthew (Emma) Girard, Cameron Girard and Rory Girard; his sister, Kathleen Swenson; and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder and Edith Anderson; his brother, Ronald Anderson; his in-laws, Francis and Leona Huber; and his brother-in-law, Robert Huber.
Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend — a man who worked hard, loved fiercely, made people laugh and always showed up for the people he loved. And when his family gathers, there will undoubtedly be stories, music, laughter and something sweet.
In those moments, they’ll know exactly what to say: “Let’s do the Coke!”