Duane Lawrence Anderson entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2026. Duane was born May 24, 1944 to George and Levia (Kinsey) Anderson. At a young age, he recognized that sin separated him from God and repented of his sins. As a teenager, he was given many opportunities to serve the Lord - teaching Sunday School, counseling at a camp for Native youth run by the Harndens and in many other ways. After graduating from Blaine High School, he decided to pursue a degree in Christian Education at Biola College followed by a masters from Talbot Seminary, but more than degrees, he wanted to be known as a faithful servant of the Lord.
While counseling at the Harnden's camp, he met the love of his earthly life, Joanne Groothuis. They were married in June of 1964 and celebrated 61 years together. Following college, he was asked to help start a Bible Institute for Native Americans in the Los Angeles area, and later, became the president of American Indian Bible Institute where he served for over fifty years. In 2018, health issues caused him to move back to Whatcom County to be closer to family. He loved the Bible and teaching the Bible (2 Timothy 2:2). Over the past several years he taught Bible studies over the phone with people in several different states.
Duane is survived by his wife, Joanne, daughter Sheri (David) Moore, grandchildren Rosie (Lionel) Bahena, Jocelyn, Tim (Hannah), Jeff (and fiancé Bethany), Angie, and Gregory and great grandson Elijah, sister Sharon (Orv) Lofdahl and in-laws Susan Anderson, Ivan (Alice) Groothuis, Darryl Groothuis, Jake DeHoog, Sandi Franken, Glenda (Cal) Burgers, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many spiritual sons, daughters and their families. Duane was preceded in death by grandbaby Katelyn, brother Don Anderson, sisters-in-law Jean DeHoog and Gloria Groothuis, and brother-in-law John Franken.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Serve & Equip PO Box 110 Lynden, WA 98264 ( or https://sveq.org/donate ) to carry on the ministry God gave him. A celebration of life will be held at Sunrise Baptist Church 2480 W Badger Rd Custer, WA on Sunday, April 26 at 3pm.
