Briggs Anderson

Briggs Otis Anderson, 14, a resident of Fergus Falls, passed away Monday, July 29, 2013, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

He was born January 8, 1999, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Scott and Susan (Arhart) Anderson. He grew up in Fergus Falls where he attended school. He was an excellent student, and was involved in Knowledge Bowl, Band, Honors Band, Choir and Honors Choir.

Briggs enjoyed life. He loved to read, just like his mom and sister, and enjoyed joke books, puzzles and singing. He was good at scrabble, enjoyed building with Legos, and was sharp minded, frequently seen playing video games on his DS, Xbox and wii.

He loved being outdoors in the sun or the water, spending time in the hammock in the back yard, making s’mores by the campfire, and the “river vene” in the spring.

Briggs loved animals, especially cats, and had a great love for baby animals. He had such a big, soft, caring heart that he extended to every living thing. He wanted to be a vet when he grew up (despite how much college time it would take!) He was terrified of snakes however, he hated them, but he’d catch turtles and frogs with Devan, and Bradon tried sometimes too.

He loved to bake cookies with his “secret” recipe that really wasn’t a secret since he showed it to almost everyone; he said he would like to be a chef someday. He loved sweets, and eating – especially chocolate!

Briggs had a wonderful sense of humor and a great, quick wit – he always had a joke he would say with a big goofy grin or his famous mischievous smirk. He lived life with a limitless amount of energy and enthusiasm. He loved being around the people he loved. He was a big hugger, always with a hug, kiss and “I love you!” Anne and the neighbors loved to see him come in the driveway on his bike for his weekly visit (Mom said we could go only once per week, and we only get one treat).

Family trips to Duluth, hiking the North Shore and seeing what other adventures he could find always brought him much enjoyment.

His worst “job” was homework and his second worst job was wood-splitting. Briggs said he wanted to have triplets when he grew up and got married.

Grandma and Grandpa Otis would like to say how much they loved Briggs, and could see the love he radiated out at Hope Lutheran Church as he greeted everyone. Bradon says that he is the best brother ever.

Survivors include his parents, Scott and Susan Anderson of Fergus Falls; his sister, Devan, and brother, Bradon, both of Fergus Falls; his grandparents, LeRoy and Phyllis Arhart of Woonsocket SD, and Otis and Susan Anderson of Foxhome; his aunts, Jeanne (Benjamin) Anderson and cousin Molly of Fargo ND, and Nancy (Greg) Hilsgen of Guthrie OK; his uncle Rod Arhart of Sioux Falls SD; several great aunts and uncles, many special friends and neighbors, smelters, and Brigg’s classmates and friends; and our extended families at Scott and Susan’s employers at Shoremaster and Herbergers.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jon Olson and Youth Director Allen Westby
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.