Rodger Orval Anderson, 83, was called to his heavenly home to enjoy the eternal salvation of Jesus Christ, on August 5, 2026, due to complications of Multi-System Atrophy Parkinsonism.
Rodger was born in Tyler, MN to Marjorie (Gamber) and Orval Anderson. He spent his youth on the family farm near Florence, MN, playing, working, and tinkering with all things mechanical. Rodger attended school through grade 5 in Florence, then he rode the school bus to Balaton, MN where he graduated in 1961. His keen and curious mind led him to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota. In June 1966 Rodger married his high school sweetheart, Marlys Schneider, of Balaton. When General Electric offered him employment in Schenectady, NY, he and his young bride and baby daughter, Lisa, embarked on a new life in upstate NY.
He was employed 29 years with GE, 8 years with Hartford Steam Boiler, and retired at age 77 from DRS-Power Technologies. His innovations and practical solutions for gas-turbines and power plants led to 13 US patents and consulting work in all 50 states and many countries around the globe.
When he wasn’t traveling, Rodger devoted himself to his home, his family and his church. A founding member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Clifton Park, NY, he was instrumental in its development and construction. Although he embraced life on the East Coast, he was a Minnesota farm boy at heart. His experiences enabled him to build, create or repair anything.
A devoted husband of 60 years to Marlys, and father to 3 daughters: Lisa Scalia-Evans (Bob), Kristin Barwin (Pete), and Erin Collier, he was also the most loving grandfather to Samantha, Bobby, Rebecca, Ben and Sean. Nothing made him happier than to have his whole family gathered around the table to pray or to play games in the evening.
Rodger was a true example of a devoted Christian as he lived his life in faithful service to the Lord and his family. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his brother Charles (Judy) Anderson of Florence MN, and his sister Beverly Swift of Balaton, MN. Rodger was pre-deceased by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, and his brother Ronald.
Memorial contributions may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1593 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12302.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, County Rd 5 north of Balaton.
A Gathering lunchwill be at 12:30 p.m., after the service at the Balaton Community Center, downtown Balaton.
