Earl H. “Andy” Anderson, loving husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, 89, of Rockford, formerly of Freeport went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at P.A. Peterson Center in Rockford.
He was born May 16, 1920, in Freeport to Arthur and Lydia (Schroeder) Anderson.
Earl married the loved of his life, Lois J. Calkins on Sept. 16, 1943, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. This year they celebrated 66 years together.
Earl served in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Northwestern University. Mr. Anderson worked for Burgess Battery Co. 28 years as a purchasing agent.
Earl was an avid golfer more than 62 years at Park Hills in Freeport. He also was a devoted Green Bay Packer and Chicago Cubs fan.
Earl loved his church and was very active. He served in many leadership roles, including chairman of the congregation, board of trustees and board of elders. He was responsible for starting the Young at Heart senior group at Immanuel. He was also active in many community organizations, including the March of Dimes in the 1950s when his daughter had polio.
Earl and Lois lived their whole life in Freeport until January of 2003 when they moved to their new home at Peterson Meadows in Rockford to be closer to their daughter.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Pamela (William) Borah of Belvidere and Mary Lou (Richard) Rodman of Sarasota, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Diane Anderson of New Tazewell, Tenn.; and grandchildren, William (Stephanie) Borah Jr., Sarah Borah, AJ Rodman and Alexandra Rodman; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Bryan Borah; brother Harlan (Lois) Anderson of Redding, Conn.; sister-in-law, Gloria Anderson of Tempe, Ariz.
He was predeceased by a son, Douglas Anderson; and a brother, Leroy Anderson.
We would like to thank Alex Goins; the staff of Unity Hospice of Rochelle; and his son-in-law, Bill for showing such love and compassion in taking care of Earl.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, to time of service at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1993 W. Church St., Freeport, off of Pearl City Road.
Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Unity Hospice of Rochelle.
Earl’s family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.