Alan LeMoyne Anderson, 72, of Laramie, Wyo., passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born Dec. 17, 1952, in Volga, S.D., Alan was the only son of LeMoyne and Helen Anderson and was raised across eastern South Dakota with his three sisters. He attended Lake Norden High School and graduated from Madison High School in 1971. He enlisted with the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1973 and was honorably discharged after losing his right hand in a manufacturing accident in 1974.

Alan worked for his sister’s forklift company in Albert Lea, Minn., where he crossed paths with Marcy Schmidt and eventually married her on June 6, 1981. The two relocated to Spearfish, S.D., where Alan began an extensive career in the lumber industry with Pope & Talbot. Alan and Marcy went on to raise their only child, Amil, for many years in Newcastle, Wyo. Alan invested much of his time in the local United Methodist Church and was extensively involved with Amil’s participation in club soccer.

After starting classes more than two decades earlier, Alan returned to Black Hills State in 1996 to earn his Bachelor’s degree in mass communications. He would also go on to graduate from Iliff School of Theology in 1999 with a degree in ministry, after becoming a pastor for the United Methodist Church. He served three churches in Deer Creek, Henning and Ottertail, Minn., for seven years. Many of his free moments while living in Minnesota where spent fishing on a boat or in an icehouse.

Alan retired in 2015 and moved to Laramie, Wyo., with Marcy to be closer to his son and granddaughters. Visits from and field trips with his three granddaughters were his favorite events during last years, as he was affectionally tabbed “Papa Fish.” Alan’s numerous hobbies included hunting and fishing outdoors; watching and attending sporting events; collecting coins and model cars; and restoring classic cars.

Alan is survived by his wife and son; granddaughters Roslyn, Ellie and Kennedy; sisters Susan Salonen, Sharyn (and Wayne) Farder, and MetaAnn Kennedy. He is preceded in death by many loved ones, including his parents and brother-in-law, Rene Salonen.

Alan’s ashes will be spread in Wyoming and Minnesota, per his request, with private family services to be held. Donations in his memory can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org.