Donald Anderson

lDonald Robert Anderson, 85, of South Haven died Wednesday, February 16 at home.
He was born February 26, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Irene (Litterski) Anderson. Don was a graduate of South Haven High School. He served his country in the U.S. Marines during World War II as a Norden Bombsight Technician and Honeywell Auto Pilot Technician. After being discharged from the Marines, he spent a short time in Seattle, WA before returning to SW Michigan. Most of his life he was self-employed in the food and beverage business. He worked for Holly’s Restaurant in South Haven before going into business for himself. He owned and operated the Green Cow Restaurant & Cafeteria and the Downtowner Restaurant in Benton Harbor. He was also co-owner of the Derby Restaurant and Lounge in South Haven, which later became the Dry Dock Restaurant and Lounge which he managed. After retiring in 1989 he managed the South Haven Elks Club for 8 years. He continued to be active in retirement, working for D&W and most recently at the Village Market in South Haven. As a youth, he was very active in sports, baseball, golf and bowling. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs, Bears, and U of M fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating and music, particularly jazz. Don was originally a member of the South Haven Elks Lodge #1509 and later became a life member of the Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #544. Don received the Elk of the Year Award from South Haven Lodge in 1993-94 . He was also an honorary life member of South Haven American Legion Post #49. Don married Polly Holmes Diebold on November 1, 1991.
He is preceded in death along with his parents, his step-father, William McGilvray, first wife, Dell (Rose) Anderson, and nephew, Joseph Olson Jr. He is survived by his wife, Polly Anderson, of South Haven. Two children - Catherine Taber (Dennis Carlson) of Benton Harbor, MI, Randall (Vickie) Anderson of Orlando, FL, brother, Joseph (Lorraine) Olson; nephews, Larry (Linda) Olson and Keith Olson, South Haven. Step-children - Julie Diebold (South Haven), Judie (James) Carpenter (Bakersfield, CA); Lindie (Kieren) Spain (Dublin, Ireland), Robert Diebold (Santa Rosa, CA) and David (Emily) Diebold (Skerries, Ireland), along with 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, 18 step-great grandchildren.
Memorial services will take place on Saturday, February 19 with visitation at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven with Pastor Eric Jarvis officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Assoc. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, 637-0333.