Kenneth David Anderson, 75, Newell, navigated his final sortie peacefully on June 18, 2008, surrounded by his loving family in Piedmont, SD.

Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell with Father Arnold Kari officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard will be held at Noon at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Kenny was born on November 6, 1932, to Carl D. and Olive C. (Mitchell) Anderson in Newell, SD, and was one of seven children. Kenny spent his youth on the family homestead south of Newell, learning the value of hard work and excelling in academics and athletics. He scored 19 touchdowns during his senior season of six-man football at Newell High School, a record that still stands today. It was in Newell where Kenny met the love of his life, Mary Kinghorn, where they were crowned as the first-ever Christmas Ball royalty in 1949. He graduated from high school before volunteering for the Air Force's Aviation Cadet Program in 1953. Kenny served his country around the globe until he married his Christmas Ball Queen, Mary, on April 30, `1960, in Huntington Park, CA. Mary was an incredible life partner who moved Kenny and the household 13 times in 18 years, provided loving support, and above all, was a mother to their four boys. Kenny served his nation in combat, navigating 110 missions over North Vietnam from 1967-68, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry under enemy fire. Other accomplishments include completing Air War College, duty at the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon, and finishing his 26-year Air Force career as the Director of Operations of the 57th Air Division at Minot AFB, ND.

Kenny was very active in retirement, serving as Quartermaster of Post 5807 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Newell, earning degrees in carpentry and cabinetmaking from Western Dakota Vocational Tech in Sturgis, and spending time with his immediate and extended families. He also participated in Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association activities and coached many of his boys' sports teams.

Kenny was comforted and cared for during his illness by his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Lori, who filled his final days with loving care and support.

Kenny is survived by his sisters, Mary Hade of Rapid City, Esther Fischer of Rhinelander, WI, Judy Gretschmann of Pierre, SD, and Jane Friedel of Sturgis; his sons and their spouses, Mike and Janet of Colorado Springs, CO, Terry and Pam of Honolulu, HI, Greg and Jennifer of Shorewood, WI, and Scott and Lori of Piedmont, SD; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his father and mother, Carl and Olive; his brother, Dale Anderson; and his sister, Catherine Satzinger.

A memorial has been established to St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell.