In Memory of Alex Anderson

September 8, 1993 - July 25, 2025

Alex Anderson, 31, of St. Paul, MN, passed away from brain cancer on July 25, 2025. Alex grew up in Wauwatosa, WI before moving to Minnesota in 2012.

Alex loved food, both to eat and to prepare. His culinary career started at Herbies on the Park in St. Paul, where he rose quickly from dishwasher to Sous Chef and developed the pastry menu for the restaurant. He continued his career in the Twin Cities at Estelle, Dario, and most recently, Liliana. His love for pastry and sweets coincided with his savory menus more than once, coming up with ideas like chocolate liver mousse cannoli and pear anchovy galettes. He jotted down recipes in notebooks, texted flavor pairings to restaurant buddies, and even shared ideas for new dishes from the hospital. This summer, he helped open Estelle's sister restaurant, Liliana, as a Sous Chef and was excited to see new flavors and dishes come to life. He was a dedicated mentor to those beginning their careers in the industry, and a valued counterpart to those who had been in the industry for years.

Alex was drawn to the angular rhythms and melancholic melodies of Math Rock, which inspired the creation of Onion Bun. With his bandmates, Zach and Topher, he wrote songs in Topher's parent's basement, where he brought in elements of finger tapping to the bass parts. They introduced audiences to Math Rock through shows across Minnesota, their EP, Giraffodil, radio features, and a music video. Throughout the years, they performed many times at The What's Up Lounge in Mankato, where Alex met Zach. His first music experiences were leading the tuba section of his high school band, forming a punk-ish DIY band with his childhood friends, and going to countless shows at The Rave and Summerfest.

Growing up, Alex discovered his love of the outdoors during camping trips with family and friends. He spent summers on Lake Michigan with his dog, Bella, at Camp Minikani, and in the woods with friends. Alex loved spending time in nature with his partner, Karen, and pup, Kirby. He commemorated this love through a selection of nature-themed clothing and tattoos of native plants and animals to northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Martha Loebach.

Alex is survived by his partner, Karen Wong, mother, Joanne Durbin (John), father, Patrick Anderson (Marti Donnan), sister, Ellie Anderson, his grandparents Paul and Marcia Anderson and pup Kirby. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

A gathering to celebrate Alex's life was held at Estelle, 1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul, MN on Sunday, August 10th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

A visitation was held at Christ King Catholic Church, 2604 Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa, WI on Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 AM 11:45 AM. A Funeral Mass immediately followed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research, 1100 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, NY, 11557.

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