David B. Anderson

Brigadier General (Ret.) David B. Anderson, who concluded a 34-year Army National Guard career as the Commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard, peacefully passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 69, following a stroke on May 13. He went home to be with the Lord surrounded by love and prayer.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5-7:00 PM with a prayer service and sharing of memories starting at 7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the main chapel, Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel at the University of Mary, 7500 University Dr., Bismarck, ND with full military honors starting at 3:00 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

The funeral, prayer service and interment will be live streamed. Please click this link to view the service livestream https://www.ndguard.nd.gov/brig-gen-david-anderson-celebration-life

Dave is remembered as a thoughtful and humble servant leader, a soldier, and a scholar. He consistently made time to listen, mentor the next generation, and found joy in the presence of friends and family. His legacy of service, integrity, and compassion endures in the lives of those he led and loved.

Born on December 15, 1955, in Fargo, North Dakota, Dave was the son of Chester and Astri (Sjuls) Anderson. He grew up in Oakes, where he attended Oakes Elementary and graduated from Oakes High School in 1974. He went on to attend North Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Composite Science and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the university's ROTC program in 1980.

After graduation, Dave returned to Oakes to farm the family land, which he continued until 1991. In 1992, he relocated to Bismarck to continue his military career, serving as operations officer for the 231st Engineer Battalion, logistics officer for the 164th Engineer Group, and executive officer for the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion. From 1994 to 1999, he was stationed in Minot as executive officer of the 164th Engineer Battalion (Mech), before returning to Bismarck to serve as Environmental Chief and Director of Facilities and Engineering.

In 2002, Dave assumed command of the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion and led the unit in a yearlong deployment to Iraq from April 2003 to April 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom—an experience he described as the defining moment of his military career. Upon his return, he served in several key leadership roles including Commander of the 68th Troop Command, Vice Chief of Staff for Operations at Joint Force Headquarters, and Chief of Staff of the Army Component. In 2007, Dave received his Master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle barracks, Pennsylvania. In November 2011, he was appointed Commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard, overseeing more than 3,300 soldiers and 480 civilian personnel. He retired from military service in May 2014. In 2011, Dave was inducted into the North Dakota State University Hall of Valor in recognition of his outstanding military service and leadership.

Dave’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hourglass and “M” Device, and numerous other federal and North Dakota state honors.

After retirement, Dave continued to serve through education and ethics. In 2014, he joined the University of Mary in Bismarck as the Coordinator of Military Student Services. Under his leadership, veteran and military student enrollment more than doubled. His office became a model of compassion, organization, and veteran support.

In 2019, Dave was appointed by Governor Doug Burgum to serve as one of five inaugural members of the newly established North Dakota Ethics Commission, created through a constitutional amendment passed by voters. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the Commission in September 2024, working to uphold transparency and accountability in state government—a role that reflected his lifetime of nonpartisan, principled leadership.

One of Dave’s proudest moments was administering the Oath of Office to his nephews, Brian and Jason Anderson, as they joined the United States Army. Standing before them, watching them raise their right hands and commit to serving their country, filled him with a deep sense of pride and purpose. It was more than just a formal ceremony – it was a powerful symbol of continuing a proud family tradition of Army service.

Dave is survived by his brothers, Tom (Bonnie) Anderson, Bismarck, ND and Ken Anderson, Crowheart, WY; nephews Rory (Ashley) Anderson, Bismarck, ND, Brent (Tawni) Anderson, Dickinson, ND, Justin (Melissa) Anderson, Dickinson, ND, Eric Anderson, Bismarck ND, Brian (Kelsey) Anderson, Alexandria, VA, Jason (Emily) Anderson, Castle Rock, CO, as well as by many beloved friends, colleagues, and the countless leaders and students shaped by his example. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Astri Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the David B. Anderson Memorial – University of Mary, honoring Dave’s lifelong commitment to service and education. https://give.umary.edu/g/david-anderson

Checks can be sent to

University of Mary

Attn: Mission Advancement

7500 University Dr

Bismarck, ND 58504

*Indicate Dave Anderson memorial on memo line*

Thank you for your generous donation!