GLADSTONE - Arne E. Anderson, 90, lifelong resident of Gladstone, passed away Friday afternoon, June 22, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Arne was born May 19, 1922, in Gladstone, the son of Jack and Aurelia (Carlson) Anderson. Arne was raised in Gladstone and was a 1942 graduate of the Gladstone High School. In February of 1943, Arne enlisted in the 15th Air Force (Army Air Corp.) and was stationed in Italy during World War II. Over the course of his enlistment, Arne received medals of accommodation which included; three Overseas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Battle Star and the World War II Victory Medal. Arne was honorably discharged on Feb. 3, 1946, at the rank of tech. sergeant. At which time, Arne returned to Gladstone where on Oct. 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to the former Alda Leadman, at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, and together the couple made their home, raised their family and spent their entire lives in Gladstone. Arne's loving wife Alda preceded him in death on June 22, 2009.
Arne attended the former Cloverland College in Escanaba, where he received his associate degree in business. In addition, he was employed, and retired, from the Mead Paper Corporation. Arne was president of his union for four years, treasurer of the charity fund at Mead Paper for many years and secretary/treasurer of Mead Rod and Gun Club. Arne was a longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. He served on First Lutheran Church Council for three years and enjoyed playing on the church dartball team.
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Arne E. Anderson
Arne was extensively involved in our local community affairs all his life. He was a member of the Advisory Board at St. Francis Hospital for five years, the Delta County Economic Development Committee, and the Gladstone City Commission. Arne was mayor of Gladstone for one year. He was a member of the Gladstone Downtown Development Committee, Gladstone Senior Citizen Housing Commission, as well as a board member for the Gladstone Senior Citizens Activity Center. Arne belonged to the Delta County Swedish Club, Gladstone Yacht Club and was a 30 year member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71.
Survivors include: son, Douglas Anderson of Munising, Mich.; daughters, Darlene (James) Fehl of Gladstone, Mich., Sheryl Littlejohn of Gladstone, Mich.; grandchildren, Robby, Kevin, Angela and Jay; great-grandchildren, Justin, Alex and Camden. Also listed among the surviving family are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jack and Aurelia, and his loving wife Alda, Arne was preceded in death by: sisters, Mildred Hutchison, Eilene Underwood; brothers, Robert and James Anderson.
Arne's family will receive friends on Monday from 3 to 4:45 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visitation at 4:45 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, being conducted by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Arne E. Anderson will follow military rites, at 5 p.m. on Monday at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Arne will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Messages of condolence to the Anderson family may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.
