Myron Dale Andersen, 80, died Friday, April 20, 2018, at his home in Badger.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m.  Wednesday at the Badger Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Patterson officiating.  Burial is in the Badger Cemetery.  Visitation is from 5-7 pm on Tuesday at Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington and preceding services at the church on Wednesday.  

Myron Dale Andersen was born on Oct. 18, 1937, at the Abbitt house in Arlington, to Soren and Anna (Olsen) Andersen.  He was one of two children along with his older brother, Erling.  Myron was baptized in the Danish Lutheran Church in Badger and confirmed in the Danish Lutheran Church four miles Northwest of Badger.  It was the last confirmation service in the church before it was moved to Lake Norden.  

He attended grade school in Badger and high school in Arlington, graduating in 1955.  Myron attended the winter and spring quarters at Southern State in Springfield, taking carpentry and construction courses and was a member of the South Dakota National Guard.  On Dec. 27, 1958 Myron married Janice Rae Jepsen of Arlington.  They lived their entire married life in Badger.  They had four sons:  Anton, Lars, Terry and Tim.

Myron was a fixture in Badger having served as the mayor since 1967, having first been appointed to the town board in 1963.  This makes him the longest serving mayor in the history of South Dakota and the 11th longest serving mayor in the United States.  

In Spring, 1956 Myron started Andersen General Construction that built / remodeled several houses and buildings in the area as well as the church his funeral will be held in and the legion hall that his signature meal will be served after the services.  In the last 25 years the majority of Myron’s work was around air conditioning, electrical, heating and plumbing. 

 Janice and Myron enjoyed life.  They loved to dance in their earlier years and also spent winters in Las Vegas for about 10 years in the 1980s, while they were in their 40s and 50s.  While doing their winters in Las Vegas they both worked at McDonald’s and he was very proud of his ‘Dad Andersen’ nametag as he traveled from McDonald’s locations to complete odd jobs throughout the Las Vegas market.  

 They raised livestock, primarily hogs, chickens, geese and ducks and were very involved in the American Legion and Auxiliary.    They had three granddaughters who they enjoyed taking camping and involving them in community events.  They enjoyed hosting people at the house whether it was for a meal or many times when someone was doing work for the town or the elevator they would stay at the house for weeks at a time.  They served the 60-plus group meals for eight years from 2008 until 2016.  That is when Myron lost his “Co-Pilot” Janice after 57 years of marriage. 

 Myron is survived by his sons, Terry (Peggy) of Badger and Tim (Randy) of Chicago, three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Lipp of Aberdeen and brother-in-law Bob (Connie) Jepsen of Council Bluffs.    

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice; brother and sister-in law Erling and Darlene, two sons Anton and Lars and granddaughter Kerri. 

The family suggests any memorials be sent to the  Badger Cemetery Fund