Anderson, Edward L.

Edward L. Anderson, 95, died at The Woodlands/ The Meth-Wick Community, on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010.

He was born Sept. 18, 1914, in his grandparents' home in Clearfield, Iowa, to John and Belle Franklin Anderson. He attended Clearfield grade school and graduated from Clearfield High School. He graduated from the University of Iowa with his bachelor's and master's degree in political science. Ed taught school at Truesdale and Bayard, Iowa, where he met his wife, Thelma Leonard. On Aug. 2, 1942, they were united in marriage at the Waukee Christian Church in Waukee, Iowa.

In 1946, Mr. Anderson accepted a position in the federal court of the Northern District of Iowa as a probation officer. He served as chief probation officer until 1975 in both Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. He is honored by the annual officer of the year award that is still given in his name.

With the birth of Edward Jr., a special needs individual, Mr. Anderson became involved with his wife in opening Play Time Nursery School in their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It was one of the first in Iowa. He served as president of the Iowa Association of Retarded Citizens and was a board member for many years. He was also active with the local Linn County Arc.

He was also a member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and The Meth-Wick Community church.

Ed is survived by his sons, Edward Jr. and John; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including special friends, the Ebinger family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma; a daughter, Kathryn; and three brothers, Franklin, Ben and Mark.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Gail Wilcox. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time. Ed donated his body to the University of Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, P.O. Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310.

The family extends a sincere thank you to all of the staff at The Meth-Wick Community for their help and support over the years.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Ed at