The sprawling district included all or portions of Beltrami, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods and St. Louis counties in the northern part of the state.

He continued to serve in the legislature until 2007, opting not to run for re-election in 2006 due to health concerns.

[1] Anderson fought in World War II as a United States Navy pilot from 1942 to 1945, earning the Air Medal for his performance.

The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

[2] He also helped create Minnesota's memorial to World War II veterans.