Larry James Anderson

Larry James Anderson, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023, in Viroqua, WI, at the age of 82. Born on September 19, 1941, in Prairie du Chien, WI, to the late James and Myrtle (Holmes) Anderson, Larry's life was one marked by hard work, dedication to family and love of the ridges and valleys of Crawford County.

Larry was a proud graduate of Seneca High School, class of 1960, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball, and track. It was baseball that briefly took Larry away from Crawford County. Receiving invitations to showcase tryout camps, he spent time pursuing his baseball dream with the Milwaukee Braves at Milwaukee County Stadium and the Philadelphia Phillies at their spring training facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. Returning home, he continued to play baseball with the city teams of DeSoto and New Albin, Iowa. As baseball gave way to softball, he continued playing, oftentimes alongside his brother, sons, son-in-law, and nephew. It was through baseball and softball that Larry forged many life-long friendships that he held dear.

Losing his own dad at a very young age, Larry was forever grateful for the network of Boma Ridge/Buck Creek Ridge aunts, uncles and cousins that served as father figures and big sisters to him and his younger brother Mark. These relationships had a profound impact on his faith and who he was as a person. In fact, as his illness progressed, it was of old times spent on the farms of his aunts and uncles, that he most often spoke about.

On September 24, 1966, Larry married the love of his life, Sandra (Sherry), at Mt. Sterling Lutheran Church. Together they embarked on a loving partnership that would span 57 beautiful years. Their union was blessed with son, James (Marjorie), and grandchildren, Trygve (Leah), Thor, and Siri; son, Joel (Kathryn), and grandchildren Rachel (Shawn), Claire (Jacob), Jared, and Jessica; and daughter, Andrea (Eric), and grandchildren Madelyn, Cale, and Mara.

In his younger years, Larry owned two milk trucks and spent several years as a milk hauler and cheesemaker for Freeman and Indianhead cheese factories. He later went to work as a lineman for Richland-Grant Telephone Co-op where he spent 30 years serving the communities of Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove.

Larry took great pleasure in being outdoors hunting, fishing or simply working. An avid coon hunter, he owned hounds his entire lifetime and prior to his illness, rarely missed a fall night roaming the hills of Copper Creek, Buck Creek, Sugar Creek, and Rush Creek. Much of his retirement was spent buying, restoring, parading, and pulling Massey-Harris tractors. Larry loved music and spent countless hours plucking away on his guitar and banjo. He never really mastered either instrument, but both provided him with great joy. Larry was also an enthusiastic fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. More importantly, Larry deeply cherished his role as a grandfather. His favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren, and he could always be found in the audience of their sporting events, plays and musical performances.

Larry was a man of abiding faith, a trait that guided him through life's challenges and triumphs. He was baptized, confirmed and will be laid to rest at Utica Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra; his loving children and grandchildren; his brother, Mark (Sandy); his in-laws, Dean (Cindy) Sherry, Tim (Sue) Olson, and Ann (Dave) Quamme; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a community of friends who will miss his presence dearly.

As we remember Larry, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with laughter, love, and countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew him. Larry's spirit and legacy will continue to live on through his family, his friends, and the many lives he touched.

Larry's family would like to thank the many friends and neighbors that provided so much support to Larry and Sandra over the past several years. The visits and acts of kindness will never be forgotten. The family would also like to thank the staffs at Maplewood Terrace, Vernon Memorial Hospital and Vernon Manor. The patient, professional compassion shown to Larry during his final days was truly a blessing to him and his family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Utica Lutheran Church. Pastor Carrie Anderson will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or Utica Lutheran Church in Larry’s memory.

Vosseteig Funeral Home and Crematory in Gays Mills is serving Larry’s family.

325 Sunset Ridge Ave

Gays Mills, WI 54631

608/735-2100