Jerome Anderson

Jerome Anderson

April 18, 1929 - August 29, 2018
Laguna Woods CA

Jerome Anderson

April 18, 1929 - August 29, 2018
Laguna Woods CA

Obituary

Anderson, Jerome (Jerry)

Jerry Anderson, 89, was born April 18, 1929, and passed away in his sleep on August 29, 2018.

He was born in Tulare, South Dakota to Marcus and Margaret (Larson) Anderson. Margaret had emigrated from Norway via Ellis Island when she was a teenager. After his father’s death, the family relocated to Redfield, South Dakota, where Jerry spent much of his free time hunting pheasant.

Jerry joined the Army after graduating high school, then enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where he was president of the ATO fraternity. After graduation, he accepted a position with General Mills in Minneapolis, where he met his first wife, Gail Quarnstrom.

All three of Jerry’s three children – Thomas, Laurie and John – were born in Minneapolis before Jerry relocated the family to Paris, Illinois for a position in sales at the largest corn processing plant in the world. Though Kellogg’s may have been his biggest client, the beer brewing industry was right behind, and he befriended brewery owners and brewmasters across the country. While in Paris, Jerry was very active in numerous organizations, but was particularly involved with the Grace Lutheran Church, where he served as president of the congregation and as a board member of a related charitable foundation.

Upon retirement and a divorce, Jerry relocated to Laguna Woods to be near his daughter Laurie’s growing family, especially his beloved twin grandsons, Adam and Jordan Anderson, and later his son John’s (Devani) equally beloved granddaughter, Siri Anderson. Jerry continued his penchant to become socially involved, joining among others the Rod and Gun Club (serving a year as president), the California Club, the American Ballroom Dance Club, the American Legion, and the Lutheran Church of the Cross. He quickly made many fast friends, then met the second love of his life, Valerie Jones. They married and made a wonderful life together until the sad passing of Valerie in 2011.

Thinking he’d been overly blessed to have had marriages with two exceptional women, Jerry wasn’t expecting any more such blessing from God. But then he was introduced by a good friend to Mary Helen Ruffu. Though they decided not to marry, they enjoyed a very busy social life together, but mostly they cherished each other’s company. Even in his last months where he struggled with declining energy and health, Jerry would instantly brighten up at the sight and sound of Mary Helen.

Besides his children and grandchildren, Jerry was very fond of his nieces and nephews from his brother Milo and sister Kathryn, both of whom preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Cross on Saturday, September 15th at Noon, with lunch to follow.

 

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: September 15, 2018 (12:00 PM)
  • Venue: Lutheran Church Of The Cross
  • Location: 24231 El Toro Road Laguna Woods, CA 92637 - (Get Directions)

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