Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Richard "Duke" Anderson
Class Dismissed
drafted by Duke Anderson
Richard Donald Anderson, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Augusta, WI on Friday, August 21, 2026. Richard was born October 25, 1936, in Osseo, WI to Helmer and Myrtle (Myren) Anderson. He was baptized at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in the town of Hale and confirmed at Osseo Lutheran Church.
Richard attended Osseo Schools, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track in a mediocre fashion. He was a member of the graduating class of 1955, the first group to graduate from the new school.
Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 without getting shot at or earning any medals. From 1958 to 1961 he worked on construction and in factories.
On July 22, 1961, he married “Old What’s Her Name” (Ruth M. Mattison) at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. He attended UW-Eau Claire, graduating in 1967. He taught history and coached at Augusta High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1994.
Among the things he enjoyed in life were the WI Badgers, Packers, Augusta Beavers and watching his granddaughters grow up, never missing an event or milestone. He enjoyed swimming, cross-country skiing, biking, golfing, book club, bible study, and the friendship of his seven hundred former students. He served on the Augusta Memorial Library Board Chair Committee and Augusta High School Hall of Fame Committee.
He is survived by his son John and Beth of Augusta, WI and three wonderful granddaughters Megan (Adam) Moyer of College Grove, TN and their children Payton, Jett, Lane, and Maye; Chelsea (Tony) Ball of Mankato, MN and their children Knox and Nash; Sydney (Casey) Webber of Wayzata, MN, and their son Alfie and several very valuable nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Ruth), his in-laws Irene and Oscar Mattison, four brothers, Harlo Anderson (Nadine), Marshall (Carol) Anderson, Marlan (Mona) Anderson, Jed Anderson and three sisters Janice Smith (Juel), Jeanette Mattison (Roger), and Grace.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Barb and Dave Colba, for the love, kindness, and support they gave to Duke and Ruth over the past several years. Their friendship, compassion, and willingness to help meant more to us than words can express. We will always be grateful for the special role they played in their lives and for the many ways they were there for them.
The visitation will be Thursday, August 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, WI.
The memorial service will be at Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, 50351 Harmony St, Osseo, WI, Friday, August 28th, with visitation starting at 10:00 and service at 11:00.
Lunch will be served following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Augusta Memorial Library, Wisconsin Public Radio, or Osseo Evangelical Church – stain glass window fund.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Visiting Angels during this difficult time.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
