The funeral service for Ronald “Ron” Anderson, 84, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Balaton, MN, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Balaton United Methodist Church in Balaton, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at the church. Interment will take place at the Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton, MN.
Ronald Lloyd Anderson was born April 12, 1941, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Orval and Marjorie (Gamber) Anderson. He was raised in Balaton, where he formed the roots and values that would guide him throughout his life, graduating from Balaton High School. Ron went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he also participated in the ROTC program, beginning a lifelong commitment to service. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and later continued in the Army Reserve. Ron’s early career included teaching in Jasper, Minnesota, before he transitioned into the agricultural industry. Ron rapidly advanced through Continental Grain. Continental relied on him to grow a profitable international oilseed processing division. Ron’s work took him from Grand Forks, ND to the Twin Cities to Corporate Headquarters in Manhattan. Ron established roots in Hightstown, NJ for over 2 decades. Ron grew or built processing facilities throughout the world, including England, Australia, Italy, South America, and Switzerland. Ron moved on to provide consulting and commodity trading in Chicago while working with R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC until 2025. One of Ron’s proudest achievements was helping to bring a farmer owned crushing plant to South Dakota with South Dakota Soybean Processors. In January 2003, Ron married Roxana Higgins in the iconic “Little White Chapel” in Las Vegas, Nevada—a joyful beginning to a partnership that brought him great companionship and happiness. Ron lived life with a deep appreciation for music, the outdoors, and the people around him. He had a special gift for singing and playing the guitar, often sharing songs he wrote himself—melodies inspired by the prairie landscapes he loved and returned to throughout his life. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying time outside, Ron found joy in nature and in the company of family and friends. He was never happier than at a gathering filled with laughter and good company, especially when someone would call out, “Ron, play a song for us.” In those moments, with guitar in hand and an audience ready, he was truly in his element, creating memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Ron passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Chicago on Monday, April 6, 2026. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Roxana, of Chicago; his children, Chet (Yvonne) Anderson of St. Paul, Minnesota; Nikki (Thomas) Sharp of Salt Lake City, Utah; Glen (Lauren) Anderson of Park City, Utah; and Maria Victoria “MV” Anderson of Chicago. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren—Maya, Lucas, Ellie, and Micah Anderson—who brought him great pride and joy. Ron is further survived by his siblings: Roger (Marlys) Anderson of Scotia, New York; Beverly Swift of rural Balaton, Minnesota; and Charles (Judy) Anderson of Florence, Minnesota, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the organizations that match Ron’s passions. St Jude’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/ St Joseph’s Indian School: https://www.stjo.org/
