He took his experience from working with his dad at the locker and worked as a beef lugger at lowa Beef Process in Sioux City, lowa. He then moved to western Colorado where he did some mining work and helped in building the Eisenhower Tunnel. He also lived in the Black Hills and worked at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead. One of his favorite jobs of all time was working on the Mississippi Queen gambling riverboat.

Toothpicks, quarters, and the music of his generation were truly Joe. If you knew him, you knew he always had toothpicks and quarters with him. He could entertain for hours using just those two simple items.

Joe is survived by his Joseph (Joe) Patrick Anderson, age 70, passed away quietly on July 1, 2026, at his home in North Kansas City, Missouri. Joe was born on November 10, 1955 in Sioux Falls to Terry and Pat Anderson. Joe graduated from Platte High School in 1975 and then attended the University of South Dakota.

Joe was a deeply private person who found peace in the quiet moments of life and lived life on his own terms, cherishing his independence and self-reliant lifestyle.

Joe was truly a lifetime learner. As a young man he would read encyclopedias for hours and loved sharing his knowledge with his younger siblings. This love of learning exploded when Joe was introduced to the internet.

Joe loved traveling and trying new things. Throughout his life, he was able to see much of the United States while traveling and exploring different jobs. Growing up in the state of Washington, he learned early on how to cut firewood with his dad. Later after moving back to South Dakota, Joe worked in the family business, Wagner Locker Plant, for several years.

sisters and brothers Mary Anderson-Conner, Jim (Sue) Anderson, Ruth (Frank) Anderson-Burnett, Sharon Brown, Kevin Anderson, Bruce (Tila) Anderson, Bridget (Mike) Williams, Janet Anderson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Pat Anderson and his younger sister Janie Anderson.

A Rosary service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4. The funeral Mass will be at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Platte at 11:00 a.m. on September 5 with internment at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. Lunch will follow the internment.