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John Richard ‘Dick’ Anderson

GWINN, MI – John Richard ‘Dick’ Anderson, 86, of Gwinn, MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 15th, 2022. During the short illness he was in the care of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, MI.

Richard was born November 16th, 1935, in Chicago, IL, to the late John O. and Saima (Nelson) Anderson. His mother was first generation Swedish/Finnish and his dad came to America in 1923. At an early age he was called Richard or Dick. They would visit Grandpa Henry Nelson on the homestead farm near Daggett, MI, on the 400 North Western Train. In 1944, he was ten the family moved to the farm to help grandpa. Dick started school in Carney.

Living on the farm was some of his happiest memories. A work ethic was developed by picking green beans at $.03/pound, picked rocks at $.50 and caring for his dads Holsteins. Riding his new J.C Figgins Bike to farms taking seed orders and for deliveries. Pealed Aspin for $.10 a stick.

Richard had a love affair with his herd of brown Swiss cows. He dreamed of having his own farm and to have the largest brown Swiss herd in the UP. He belonged to the Talbot Dairy 4H Club and never missed the fair with his cows for 10 years. Later he was the 4H leader. Did his fair share of trapping too. There was always time for church and Sunday school at the Carney Free Church.

He graduated from Stephenson High School class of 1953. The following fall he went by train to East Lansing, MSC. For a year he studied the short course on farming and dairy production.

His paying job was a milk tester for the dairy herd improved association. There was time for League playing softball, coached little league. Loved riding in his convertible. Took time to fish brookies with special friends, hunting several bucks taken.

In 1958, Richard joined the US Army served in Ordnance. Earned sharpshooter (Carbine) Expert Rifle badge. He spent 19 month in Mannheim, Germany, traveled in Europe- visited Swedish relatives in the summer and winter. While visiting his aunt at Stockholm railway, he saw the King of Sweden leaving the Royal Coach and met his paternal, Grandpa Anderson. In 1960, he was called to active duty for the Cuba Crisis and served several times at Fort Sheridan. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

Richard worked construction as a welder at normal ship yard in San Francisco and Chicago. From 1969-1988, Richard was married to Nadine Klatt in Chicago, IL, to this union 2 boys were born. He was always proud of his sons and their families. He was a logger and owned Dicks Bowling Ally in Daggett. On September 23rd, 1995, Richard married Carolyn (Barker) Townsend of Marquette.

Richard retired January of 1999, from the Department of Corrections. He really enjoyed his trip in 2005 in Canada, west to Anchorage, Alaska, he fished the Kenai Peninsula ate salmon and dug for clams.

Richard was a woodturner, harvested burls and up hard wood to turn. He attended craft shows and turner symposiums.

He had a inquisitive mind always learning, independent and walked to his own drummers beat. He visited 47 states, 7 countries. He loved nature, quiet sunset, a woodsman looking for agates, travel and an avid reader. He loved 1957 Chevys, bowling, a good dance, the Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, age 10, Spartan games, stream fishing and hunting.

Richard is survived by his wife; Carolyn of 27 years, two sons; Scott (Bobby Ables-Smith) Anderson of Salida, CA, Shane (Trisha) Anderson of Troy, MI, stepson; Scott (Brenda) Townsend of Marquette, sisters; Eleanor (Richard) Weycker of Stonington, Virginia, grandchildren; Colleen, Warren, Chole, Roland, Rebekah and Sarah., stepgrandchildren; Nichole, Andrew and Rachel and many nieces and nephews, caine companions; Madzi and Gus, former wife; Nadine (Ted) Anderson-Macst of Ohio and church family.

Family will greet relatives and friends at the Anderson-Diehm Funeral Homein Stephenson, MI, on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, beginning at 11:00am cst, until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon cst, with Pastor Lon Russell of Heritage Baptist Church, Carlshend, MI. Luncheon to follow. Burial will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Oakwood.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.anderson-diehm.co m.

Memorials may be directed to the Heritage Baptist Church building fund attention Pastor Lon Russell, 751 E air field road, Little Lake, MI 49841