Ellery L. Anderson went to his eternal home in Heaven on Nov. 18, 2014, after a very brief illness.
Ellery was born on Oct. 4, 1918 to Fred and Beulah (Spry) Anderson in Bloom City, Wisconsin at his grandparents’ home. His family moved frequently when Ellery was a child and he attended 19 different elementary schools. His Dad passed away when Ellery was 14, making it necessary for him to quit school and help support him and his mother. She later married Lou Muller.
His lifelong love of music began when he was 8 years old. His mother ordered a Gene Autry guitar from the Sears-Roebuck catalog and with a little help from his mother and a book that came with it, he taught himself to play. When he was 20 years old he had the opportunity to go to Chicago and sing on the WLS Barn Dance Radio Show. He continued to sing and play the guitar with friends and family until he was unable to hear the music.
Ellery married Marguerite Stanek on April 18, 1942. After serving in the Army in World War II they bought a farm near Mt. Tabor, Wisconsin. At the age of 46, Ellery made a career change and began working for Herbeck’s construction of Hillsboro until his retirement.
Ellery was very involved in his community. He was a 4-H leader, an active member of the VFW, the Knights of Columbus, and his Church. After retirement, he and Marguerite became “Winter Texans” spending 20 winters in Kingsville, Texas. While there, they learned a new sport - bowling. He never bowled a perfect game but he never gave up hope. He bowled until he was 92.
He always wondered how the wounds of World War II healed and at the age of 88 traveled with family to the beaches of Normandy. In 2010, Ellery had the opportunity to go on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his son, Larry. They were very grateful for that experience.
Ellery is survived by his five daughters, Barbara (Dave) Davis, Marce Anderson, Ginny (Mark) Owens, Doris (Al) Skemp, Phyllis (Pete) Moore, and one son, Larry (Mary) Anderson; his 13 grandchildren, Amy (Brett) Tarkenton, Sandy (Earl) Lomas, Cindy (Scotty Myers) Owens, Paul Owens, Angie Novy, Kristie (Mitch) McCoic, Kim (Dan) McCormick, Thor (Dana) Anderson, Deb Fago Anderson, Sarah, Bobby, Matthew and James Anderson, and 13 great-grandchildren, his sister, Kathy Leatherbery, his sister-in-law, Delores Stanek, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite, his son-in-law, Joe Novy, and his grandson, Erik Anderson.
Visitation was Friday evening, Nov. 21 from 4-8 p.m., with the Rosary and music at 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro. The funeral was Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hillsboro, with Father Don Bauer officiating. Burial with military rites was in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Mt. Tabor.
Until we meet again — we will miss you!
