Gary L. Anderson, 79, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Friday, December 20, 2019, at Atlantic Specialty Care.
He was born on January 4, 1940, in Exira, Iowa, the son of Ivro E. and Elsie Mae (Saltmarsh) Anderson. Gary attended school in Elk Horn and Walnut, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Judy Christensen, December 18, 1957, and they had four sons.
Gary was a hunter and trapper from an early age. He raised every animal there was including Buffalo and Elk, and for many years went Elk hunting in Colorado with family and friends. His greatest adventure was Caribou hunting at Yellow Knife, Alaska. He was known as The Cat Man to his good friends as they enjoyed their snowmobiling treks; and him on his Arctic cat. He worked for Harvestore Silos most of his working years and also built steel buildings and laid concrete.
The last year and a half he resided at the Atlantic Specialty Care. He never ever complained about having to leave his home to live there, just dealt with what life had given him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Rick (Sharon) of Brayton, Iowa, Jeff (Carol) of Atlantic, Iowa, Mike (Kim) of Atlantic, Iowa, and Todd (Kim) of Mint Hill, North Carolina; ten grandchildren, Shelly, Amber, Brooke, Shannon, Whitney, Rachel, Ally, Ashley, Andrew and Alexandra; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Denney (Janiece) of Visalia, California; sisters, Kathy (Chuck) Ardnt of Des Moines and Cynthia Zinke of Waukee, Iowa, brother-in-law, Darwin (Sarah) of Poway, California; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivro and Elsie Anderson; parents-in-law, Ed and Ethel Christensen; an infant brother, Eldon Ray; and uncle, Mort Saltmarsh.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2020, at The Venue in Atlantic, with a meal to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, also at The Venue.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Gary’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Gary Anderson
BORN
January 4, 1940 - Exira, Iowa
DIED
December 20, 2019 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 79 years, 11 months and 16 days
CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL SERVICE
6:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2020
The Venue, 307 Walnut Street, Atlantic, Iowa
OFFICIANT
Reverend Steven Frock
Pastor of Exira and Brayton Lutheran Churches
RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“The Old Rugged Cross” by Elvis Presley
“Granddaddy’s Gun” by Aaron Lewis
“I Wish Grandpas Never Died” by Riley Green
“I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You” by The Statler Brothers
HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Darrell Hayes
Dwaine Landon
Lucas Howery
Denney Anderson
Darwin Christensen
Please stay and join the family for a meal following the service.