Allen "Butch" Anderson

Allen "Butch" Charles Anderson, a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal friend, skilled craftsman, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on April 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Butch was born on August 2, 1950, in Owatonna, MN, to Gerth "Bud" and Phyllis Anderson. He grew up in Blooming Prairie, MN, and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1968. He answered the call to serve his country as a young man in the United States Army, where he carried himself with quiet strength, integrity, and unwavering commitment. His years of service shaped not only his life, but the lives of those who knew and admired him.

After returning home, Butch built a life centered on family, hard work, and simple joys. He worked as a carpenter and dedicated his time to raising and making memories with his four children, Jeff, Craig, Becky, and Todd. He married the love of his life, Diane, on August 4, 1990, and they have resided together in Blooming Prairie ever since. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love. As a father, Butch led by example—teaching the value of honesty, resilience, and showing up when it mattered most. As a grandfather, he found his greatest joy, never missing an opportunity to lend a hand, attend an event, or share his love for woodworking and outdoor gaming activities.

Butch was a craftsman in the truest sense of the word. Whether working with wood, repairing what others thought was beyond saving, or creating something entirely new, his hands told the story of patience, precision, and pride. His work lives on in the homes and hearts of those he cared for. When Butch wasn't in his shop creating treasures, he could often be found outdoors. He shared his love and passion for hunting and fishing with his sons and grandchildren and created countless memories on his family's land sharing his gaming expertise. If Butch wasn't in his shop or outdoors, he could most likely be found at the campground. He found lifelong friends that became family each summer at the campground and he and Diane enjoyed sharing his passion for camping with their children and grandchildren. To his friends, Butch was steady and true--the kind of man you could rely on without question. He believed in showing up, lending a hand without being asked, and in sharing a laugh even in difficult times.

Butch is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, Jeff (Carrie) Anderson, Craig (Gail) Anderson, Becky (Zach) Peterson, and Todd (Amy Carlson) Anderson; his step-children, Jason (Shannon) Iacovino, Janelle (Chris) Stenzel, Phil Iacovino, and JoAuna (Mike) Gage; his grandchildren, Morgan (Zach) Elward, Elizabeth, Wyatt, Lauren, Madelyn, Leo, Chase, Fletcher, Annika, Meadow, Brianna, Mason, and Grayson; his siblings, Judy (Wayde) Bishop, Arden (Karla) Anderson, Debbie (Terry) Hoffman, Janine (Mick) Brooks, and LeAnn Repp (Rick Thornbloom); mother-in-law, Carol Holmes; sister-in-law, Jan Anderson; brother in-law, David (Judy) Thorn; sister-in-law, Sheryl (Chris) Mans; daughter-in-law, Jenn Iacovino; aunt, Donna Schieck; several cousins, nieces, and nephews, countless friends, and his beloved furry companion, Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerth "Bud" and Phyllis (Anderson); siblings, Arlen Anderson and David Anderson; father-in-law, Charles "Chuck" Holmes; father and mother in-law, James and Lorine Thorn; and his granddaughter, Liliana Iacovino. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, and the deep, abiding love he had for his family and country. His legacy is not only in what he built, but in the lives he shaped and the values he instilled. A life well lived, a man deeply loved, and a legacy that will endure.

A memorial service for Butch will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, officiated by Pastor Heidi Heimgartner at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with Butch's sons Craig and Todd serving as urn bearers and Butch's grandchildren Morgan, Elizabeth, Wyatt, Lauren, Madelyn, Leo, Chase, Fletcher, Annika, Meadow, Brianna, Mason, and Grayson serving as honorary urn bearers. The visitation will take place one hour prior. After the service, Butch will be honored with a Twenty-One Gun Salute at the Servicemen’s Club and a reception will immediately follow. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Coyotes Fur Cancer – Community Fund. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.