Anderson, Elmer J. 'Andy

Elmer J. “Andy” Anderson, 87 of Monticello, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at The First Presbyterian Church in Monticello, with the Rev. Al Polito officiating. Friends and family may call at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday. Internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello, with military honors.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Memorials can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or Above and Beyond Hospice Care, Monticello.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary Patricia; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Lippert (Jay) of Minneapolis; a daughter-in-law, Kathi; five grandchildren, Nathan (Sophie), Michael, Chelsea, Sara and John; two great-grandchildren, Tallulah and Paloma; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Douglass Anderson in 1991; his parents; and his sister, Maxine Rivey.

Andy was born May 23, 1926, in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Ida Anderson. Andy graduated from high school in Fairfield. He and served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Andy was a coxswain on a naval landing craft. He landed troops on Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima.

Andy received his Bachelor of Science degree from Parsons College in Fairfield and Master of Science degrees from Bradley University, Peoria Ill. and University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. He was united in marriage to Mary Patricia Douglass on June 5, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield.

Andy and Pat moved to Monticello in 1955 where Andy continued his teaching and coaching career at Monticello High School which lasted over 30 years. It was here that he also began his relationship with The Great Jones County Fair that lasted 56 years. Andy was a dedicated teacher, coach and mentor to many students over the years and truly enjoyed his profession. He also enjoyed his involvement with The Great Jones County Fair serving in many capacities along with its general manager and then concession manager for which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Andy's greatest joys were the life he shared with his wife Pat, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dear friends.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of both Above and Beyond Hospice and Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving kindness and comfort.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 19, 2013.