Obituary of John E. Anderson

John E. Anderson, 68, of Trego, formerly of Chippewa Falls, departed this earth quickly and peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Monday, September 21, from complications following open-heart surgery. John was born on June 12, 1947 to Norman and Tillie (Adrian) in Chippewa Falls. He met the love of his life, Marilyn (Valley) at a high school dance when he was a Junior and she, a Senior. They married on January 28, 1967, and had two daughters, Melissa and Amy. John worked hard his whole life to provide for his family and better himself. An aunt had always told him to be a teacher and John was especially proud of the two years he spent as an “A” student at UW-Eau Claire working towards his Special Education degree. While he always regretted not being able to complete his degree, John WAS always “teaching”. What gave his life the most meaning was being a coach, mentor and friend to children and young adults. His house was always a gathering place and, many times he and Marilyn took in kids in need. He was kind, generous and outgoing, making friends wherever he went. In fact, you could be in another state with him and he would inevitably run into someone he knew! After he and Marilyn moved up north in 2005, John became a bus driver. He loved those kids and would go out of his way to make sure they had whatever they needed (a kind word, clothing, food). Unfortunately, the driving took a toll on his body, and, never wanting to put the kids in harm’s way because he couldn’t physically keep them safe, he retired in 2013. With the chronic, debilitating pain he dealt with the past three years, Facebook became a lifeline for him, allowing him to connect with the “kids” he coached, the kids he’d driven for, and his many, many friends. He loved his online Scrabble games (opponents, you know who you are!), reading, and watching his beloved Packers and Badgers. “His” 4-wheeler (thanks Freddy) gave him some independence and allowed him to spend time in the woods and visit his buddies on Popple Island Road. While he loved his schnauzers, he had become especially close with Melissa’s dog, Kenya (his “Kenny Jean”) and got so much enjoyment out of her. But, the light of his life was his grandson, Lakin Libersky. “Pah” (the ‘ol rustbucket’) had hope that a fixed up heart would give him more time with “the little guy”. John’s last act of kindness was the donation of his beautiful, twinkly blue eyes. John is survived by: wife, Marilyn; daughters, Melissa Anderson and Amy Anderson (Mike Libersky); pseudo sons, Jeff Frederick and Randy Schemenauer; grandson, Lakin Libersky; brother, Donald (Irene) Anderson; sisters, Helen (Bill) Girard and Norma Klingler; in-laws, Mike Valley, Jerry and Maureen Valley, Linda and Dan O’Connell, Tim Valley (Christy Valek); ‘outlaw’, Patti Valley and many nieces, nephews and friends. John was preceded in death by: Father, Norman; Mother, Tillie; brothers, William and Martin; sister, Shirley; and nephew Dan Anderson. In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of John’s life will be held Sunday, October 4th, from 1pm to 4pm at the Moose Lodge (1890 9th Ave.) in Bloomer. Please join us to share memories and celebrate the man loved by so many.