William Earl Anderson

William (Bill) Earl Anderson, age 91, passed away January 9, 2025, at Willows Bend Senior Living in Fridley, MN. Bill was born to Simon Kainet and Dorothy Abell (Scheffel) Anderson on March 21, 1933, in Wittenberg, WI. His father supported Dorothy, Bill, and his brother Bob as a blacksmith, auto mechanic, tenant farmer, and boilermaker. As Bill grew, he helped on the farm, swept floors at a diner, delivered papers, and drove a milk truck. He also led his Boy Scout patrol, played in the town band, and fished on the Embarrass River.

In 1951 he began college in Stevens Point, WI, where he majored in science and math education. In September of 1952 he met Lynn Olson at a youth group picnic. Six days later they were going steady and soon they were engaged. Taking leave from school, he joined the army in January of 1954. He and Lynn married on April 4, 1954. Then they spent two years in Virginia while he was stationed at Fort Belvoir to teach water supply. After leaving the army and finishing his college degree, Bill began working for Consolidated Papers, first as mill chemist and eventually as senior process engineer, and he and Lynn settled down in Stevens Point. Bill worked hard to provide for his family, nurtured his kids’ curiosity and independence, and took the family for many picnics, swims, fishing expeditions, and camping trips across the country.

After 33 years at Consolidated Papers, Bill began a long and fulfilling retirement. As a wood turner and woodworker, he created beautiful bowls, pens, toys, quilt racks, and lefse flippers for family and friends. As an early computer enthusiast, he recycled cast-off computers for use in the public schools and created databases for the local Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, and Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. With Lynn he frequently visited family, traveled to interesting places, and fit in plenty of cribbage and fishing.

Bill loved connecting with people and could strike up a good conversation with anyone, anywhere. He loved making and fixing things, solving problems, and telling jokes. He loved to spend time outdoors, especially fishing. He loved learning about the world around him by being observant and curious. He loved passing on knowledge and enthusiasm to new generations. He loved Lynn, his kids and grandkids, and his wider family and friends, and he made sure they knew it with words, hugs, help, and good times spent observing the world together.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lynn. He is survived by his children Greg (Meredith) Anderson, Brad (Nancy) Anderson, Julie (Steve) Schaffner, and Kristy (George) Shaw, and his grandchildren, Thomas Schaffner, Matthew Schaffner, Abigail Anderson, Courtney Meyer, and Kyle Brockman. Bill’s family is grateful for the kindness and care of the staff at Walker Place Senior Living and Willows Bend Senior Living.

Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, Stevens Point, WI, or to your favorite charity.