William Mitchell Anderson

William Mitchell Anderson, just shy of his 89th birthday passed away on November 12, 2023 after fighting Kidney Cancer for over two years. He was the middle son of Edwin A. and Luella S, (Gackstetter) Anderson. He was born and raised in the East Tawas, MI. area. 

Bill had just turned seven years old the morning Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7th, his birthday. This coincidence, spurred a lifelong interest in the history of this period. Watching the movie Tora, Tora, Tora on his birthday became a yearly ritual.  As a child, he delivered the morning newspaper in the dark before school.  He was Confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church and graduated from East Tawas High School in 1952.  He enlisted in the Army and served in the Armored Tank Division causing his need for hearing aids later in life. 

He was employed by the IRS for 31 years as a Field Agent serving out of offices in Cadillac, Grand Rapid and Jackson auditing large cases throughout the state.  Following his retirement, he worked at Hills Brothers Short Course and Driving Range for 21 years and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels and working at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Food Pantry. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed playing golf, bowling and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his older brother Rick and Rick’s first wife Chris, and their younger brother Mike.  He is survived by his wife of 58 1/2 years, Joyce (Werkema) two Sons, Michael and his wife Kim of Livonia and Jon (Monte) and his wife Amy of Byron Center.  Four grand-grandchildren Derek, Colin and then Deanna and Kaleb respectively.  Two great grandchildren Ian and Taryn. And sisters-in law Kathy (Palmer) and Martha Anderson.

Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1505 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, Mi on Sunday, November 19th at 3:00 p.m. with Visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.  An Inurnment Service will be held on December 7. 2023 at Fair Plains Cemetery in Grand Rapids.  Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Food Pantry.

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