Marvin Raymond Anderson

On Dec. 29, 2023, our loving father and husband, Marvin Raymond Anderson, passed away.

He was born on Jan. 23, 1938, to Gustav “Buster” and Margaret Anderson on the family ranch in Melstone. He had one sister, Anarita Wittmer (deceased). Marvin excelled in high school sports and spent his days working on the family ranch. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served until 1960. He was stationed in Coronado, California, as a 3rd Class Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Boyd. In 1958, he married Janice Hoffman. After his discharge from the Navy, they moved to Melstone and lived on the Anderson Ranch. They had three children: Marvin Arthur in 1960, Richard Allen in 1963, and Michelle Ileen in 1969. They were divorced in 1973.

Marvin then met the love of his life, Donna Naasz, and was married on Jan. 5, 1974. He was granted four bonus children: Duane, Timothy, Scott (deceased) and Kevin Bennett. They were married one week shy of 50 years. Marvin and Donna had a love of boating, dancing, golf, visiting with friends, cooking together and taking care of their lawn. Their hamburger soup, sausage and pickles were legendary and coveted by all who taste them. He named his riding lawnmower Fred and would cruise his neighborhood, checking on his neighbors.

Marvin was a proud member of the American Legion and spent many years in the Naval Reserve in both Montana and Wyoming. He worked as a meat cutter for 30 years. He was a loyal husband and father who inspired all who were lucky enough to know him. He was known for his keen sense of humor, his sharp wit and his intelligence. Those who knew him called him “Marvelous Marv.”

Marvin is preceded in death by Scott Bennett, G.A. Anderson, Margaret Anderson, Anarita Wittmer and William “Billy” Wittmer.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Anderson; son Arthur Anderson (Monica), grandsons Jacob and Zach Anderson; son Richard Allen Anderson (Kimberly Ph.D.), grandsons Matthew and Shawn Anderson; daughter Michelle Ileen Lamberson (Paul) and grandson William “Billy” Zahn. He is also survived by Duane Bennett, granddaughters Heather and Meleani Bennett; Timothy Bennett (Evan), granddaughter Brett Allison Reitz (Cody), great-grandson Riley Reitz; and Kevin Bennett (Micheline), grandson Scott Bennett and granddaughter Mikelann Reed.

The family would like to extend their sincere thank you for all of the kind words and gestures made by family and friends of Marvin.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1437 Watson Peak Road, Billings.