A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford with Pastor Brian Mundt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on that day.
Richard was born on November 1, 1937 in Central Lake, Michigan to Walter E. and Francis E. (Dawson) Anderson. He attend Cresswell and Elk Rapids Schools. Richard worked on J.C. Miller iron ore freighter on the Great Lakes until marriage. Richard attended a New Year’s Eve party in 1960. Little did he know he would meet the love of his life, Marilyn. They married six weeks later on February 21, 1961 in Central Lake, Michigan. They were blissfully married for 56 wonderful and adventurous years. While living in Kewadin, Michigan he farmed and worked at Super Tool in Elk Rapids. His love for farming led the family to purchase a larger farm in Charlevoix while still working at Super Tool. In 1979 the family’s farming journey continued to Medford, Wisconsin until their return to Kewadin, Michigan in 1984. Veal farming led the family back to Medford, Wisconsin in 1991 until his retirement in 2004.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of Medford; six children, Tim (Diane) Anderson, Medford, Todd (Ann) Anderson, Wausau, Laura (Steve) Strebig, Medford, Melissa (Gary) Gehrke, Medford, Sara (Scott) Frischmann, Medford, Tad (Saree) Anderson Cypress, Texas; twelve grandchildren (who will also be serving as honorary pallbearers), Zachary Anderson, Green Bay, Jared (Mallory) Anderson, Medford, Amy (Andy) Sondelski, Halder, Richard Anderson, Wausau, Eli and Levi Strebig, Medford, Kadia and Keagan Gehrke, Medford, Brandon, Emalee, Logan, and Grace Frischmann, Medford; three great-grandchildren, Ella and Reid Anderson, Medford, Madeline Sondelski, Halder; special sister-in-law, Sue Anderson of Rapid City, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. Richard and Marilyn were Mom and Dad to many foster children for 25 years including Clark and Pam Carpenter, Gary and Leo Sarasin, Lisa Prescott, and their children.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda Anderson, brothers, Walter and Ronald Anderson and a sister-in-law, Gloria Anderson .
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
