Russell L Anderson December 11, 1933 – January 22, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Russell LaVern Anderson, 85 of rural Warrens passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 22, 2019, in his home with his loving wife Emily and his little dog Eddie by his side. Russell was born on December 11, 1933 at home on the family farm near Melrose to Mathias and Isabel (nee Koxlein) Anderson. After an adventurous childhood with five siblings, he graduated from Hixton High School and served in the Army until March of 1956.
In August of that year, he married his sweetheart Emily Ann Harper. They had three daughters, Sherrie, Laurie, and Jodie. He taught his girls the value of persistence, independence, not to force things and to put things back where they came from.
Russell worked at the Tomah VA for many years, first as a psychiatric aide and later on Roads and Grounds. A devasting stroke forced his retirement in 1988. In spite of the doctor’s prognosis that he would never walk or talk again, he did both.
Recurrent serious illness would slow him down for a bit but being a proud Norwegian and a very strong man, he always managed to fight his way back. Russell loved his family and friends with all his heart and the time he spent with them was precious to him. He reveled in hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, a good card game and a beer or two.
In his later years, he was nearly unbeatable at Yahtzee, and seriously enjoyed bingo, various lotteries and the company of his T.V. friends, Matt, Kitty, Doc and Festus. Russell is survived by his wife Emily, daughters, Laurie (Steve) Goetzka and Jodie Anderson, a son-in-law, Robert Singleton, sisters-in-law, Margie Anderson, Edna Anderson and Diane (Richard) Humble, brother-in-law, Hugh (Geri) Harper and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Sherrie Lynn Singleton, brothers, Mahlon and Stanley, sisters, Olga, Eleanor and Jeanette, an infant sister and his parents, Mathias and Isabel.
Memorials may be made to Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter. Special thanks to all of the dedicated health care professionals who treated Russell over the years and to Tomah Memorial Hospital Hospice Touch for the exquisite kindness, comfort and support in Russell’s final days. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, 2:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah.
Pastor Robert Streeter will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Sat.
at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until the time of the services. Online condolences may be given at www.
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