From the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram

William Anderson

William "Bill" Ray Anderson, age 67, of Eau Claire passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.

Bill was born in Eau Claire on Dec. 12, 1941, to Evelyn Elaine Schultz and Charles Ray Anderson. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial in 1959, obtained a bachelor's degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964, and a master's degree from UW-Stout in 1975. Bill was married to Alice Marie Westvig on Aug. 25, 1962, and they enjoyed a long, happy marriage over the last 46 years. Bill retired in 1999 after 35 years as a high school social studies teacher and an audio visual media specialist. The last 31 years of his career he served as the AV specialist at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, wherein he was awarded Teacher of the Year for the 1982-83 school year.

In 2000, Bill and Alice moved back to his hometown of Eau Claire to be closer to family and the natural area of his youth that he so loved. Bill's fondest memories were of the many camping and fishing trips he took with his family when his children were young, and he especially loved the lakes and streams of northwestern Wisconsin, and the public land along the Eau Claire River. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had acquired an impressive collection of antique fishing tackle. At various times in his life, Bill rode and tended horses, raised chickens, fished trout and gardened voraciously. Bill took great pride in his Norwegian/Lutheran heritage and was a consummate reader of the history of Lutheran churches, choirs, and colleges. He was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, singing in the sanctuary choir and playing on the men's dartball team.

Bill and Alice were steadfast companions and never apart. He was passionate about his family and reveled in the time spent with his three grandchildren. He was often serious and thought critically about politics, religion, and issues both current and historical. Bill loved popcorn and was bad at Pictionary. He was selfless, committed to fairness for the common man and service to others and was always ready to laugh hard. Bill wished to be remembered for his love of family, love of books, love of music, and love of education. Bill will be dearly missed, but for him we lift up our hearts and accept God's gift of grace and assurance that we all will be reunited.

Bill is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Mike (Brenda) and their children, Dane and Sydney, of Crookston, Minn.; daughter, Kris Simpson (Aaron Deehr) and her daughter, Emily Simpson; mother, Evelyn Carlson; brother, Gary (Celia) Anderson; step-mother, Carol Anderson; half sisters, Sue Reese, Cindy Anderson, and Jan (Craig) Stark and their families; stepbrothers, Donald (Carol) and Dick (Mary) Carlson, stepsister, Linda (David) Mickelson and their families; four brothers-in-law, and their families; nieces, Laurel (Rob) Sabelko and Michelle (Tony) Olson and their families, all of Eau Claire.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Anderson; and his stepfather, Kenneth L. Carlson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Hope Lutheran Church (corner of Starr Avenue and Eddy Lane) with the Reverend Randy Olson officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday and also one hour prior to service on Saturday, all at the church. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to email@evergreenfuneralhome.com.

Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.