Kenneth Franklin Anderson

Kenneth Franklin Anderson

July 03, 1945 - May 31, 2024

Kenneth Franklin Anderson

July 03, 1945 - May 31, 2024

Obituary

Kenneth Franklin Anderson was the only child of Frank and Ellen Anderson.  He was born in Superior, Wisconsin, and grew up on Park Point Island in Duluth, Minnesota.  As a child he participated in sports, music, hunting, and fishing with his father.  When Ken was 15 years old, his father passed away and he took up the responsibility of working and helping the household.  He attended Duluth High School and University of Minnesota at Duluth, earning a degree in Music.  He played the trumpet and the accordion.  After college he began his career, first as a buyer for JC Penney, and then moved into sales with 3M, where he spent most of his career.  Ken transferred to California in 1971 where he sold adhesives and damping materials to the Aerospace and Technology Industries.  He was highly successful in his field with both domestic and international clients.  He loved working for 3M and would argue to this day that they have the best products, no matter the industry.

Ken was the beloved husband of Mary Ann for almost 51 years.  He met Mary Ann Uhlmann in the bar of Gulliver’s Restaurant during the summer of 1972, and they were married on June 30, 1973.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 30, 2023, with a golden anniversary party that included many friends that they had known just as long.  Aside from being handy around the house, he made sure that Mary Ann always had gas in her car and would run last-minute errands at the drop of a hat.  He loved her dearly and always wanted to take care of her.

Ken was also a devoted and loving father to his daughter, Amanda.  He doted on her and would talk about her to anyone who would listen.  He taught her to love and play sports, and together they enjoyed playing golf or simply catching a game at a local sports bar.  He also encouraged her to have a love of music, through piano lessons, attending musical performances, and just grooving to tunes of the 50s, 60, and 70s in the car.  He encouraged her to be independent, but was always available for advice no matter how trivial.  He had a gentle spirit and special bond with Amanda.

Ken was always a fun guy to be around.  He could talk to anyone about anything, but he especially loved to talk about sports and cars.  In his more active days he played hockey, racquetball, softball, golf, and would shoot hoops and play catch with his daughter.  He kept up with most major league sports.  He loved going to car shows, reading car magazines, and taking meticulous care of his own cars.  Ken also loved to eat out and helped keep Tommy Bahama’s in Newport Beach in business with his almost daily visits for lunch and a glass (or 2) of wine.  He enjoyed socializing with the other patrons in the bar and the bartenders.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Anderson and his daughter, Amanda Anderson.  He will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on June 19, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 9 Hillgate, Irvine, CA 92603.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

Celebration Of Life

  • Date & Time: June 19, 2024 (10:30 AM)
  • Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
  • Location: 9 Hillgate Irvine, CA 92612 - (Get Directions)

The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research

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