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ESCANABA -- Milton John Anderson, 72, of Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while on an annual hunting trip with his son and friends in Illinois.
Milt was born on June 30, 1954, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, son of Martin and Catherine (VanCamp) Anderson. He was raised in Dunbar, Wisconsin, and graduated from high school in Pembine, Wisconsin.
On September 10, 1977, Milton married the love of his life, Jane Marie Krans, in Pembine, Wisconsin. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to one another. Their marriage was truly something special -- the kind of love that others admired and hoped to find for themselves. They were not only husband and wife but best friends and partners in everything they did. Whether camping, fishing, hunting, canning, making sausage and jerky, or simply enjoying life together, they were happiest by each other's side. Through life's joys and challenges, their love and commitment never wavered. After 49 wonderful years of marriage, they were just one year shy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Had God given them more time together, there is no doubt they would have continued filling those years with love, laughter, and countless new memories. Their love story was truly one of a kind.
Milt worked for the Niagara Paper Mill for 10 years before he and Jane moved to Escanaba in 1983, where they raised their family. He began his career at the Escanaba Paper Mill, where he was employed for 34 years before his retirement.
Above all else, Milt was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. To his children, he was more than just a dad -- he was their hero, their protector, their teacher, and the person they could always count on. His love was unconditional, his support unwavering, and his presence a constant source of strength and security. Whether teaching them something new, cheering them on, helping them through life's challenges, or coming to their rescue when something went wrong, he was always there. He led by example, teaching his children the importance of hard work, kindness, generosity, and taking care of the people you love. He wasn't simply a good dad; he was an amazing dad, and his children could not have asked for a better one.
That same love and devotion carried into his role as a grandfather. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren grow and participate in their many activities. He took tremendous pride in being there to support them, cheer them on, and celebrate their accomplishments. His presence at their games and events will be deeply missed, but the love and encouragement he gave them will remain with them always.
Milt had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed the many opportunities nature had to offer, and his successful hunting and fishing adventures often
helped fill the family's freezers. He also enjoyed smoking fish and sharing the rewards of his outdoor adventures with family and friends. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved cheering on his favorite teams, especially the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, and Milwaukee Brewers.
He was also known to family, friends, and neighbors as their very own "Mr. Fix-It." There truly wasn't much Milt couldn't repair, and if something was broken, he could almost always figure out how to make it work again. Whether fixing a vehicle, repairing something around the house, plowing snow, shoveling a driveway, or lending a hand with whatever needed to be done, he was the person everyone called. And he always came. His generosity extended far beyond his own family, and he never hesitated to give his time and talents to someone in need. He was a man who showed his love not only through words, but through his actions every single day.
Milt lived a life centered around the people he loved. He worked hard, played hard, gave generously, and loved deeply. His sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. While his family wishes more than anything that they could have had more time with him, they will forever be grateful for the incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the countless lives he touched, and the example he set of what it means to love and care for others.
Among survivors are his loving wife of 49 years, Jane Anderson of Escanaba; children, Saundra (Brian) Robinette and Bryan (Tina) Anderson; grandchildren, Pierce and Brooklyn Robinette; Ethyn and Bryan Anderson Jr.; siblings, Joseph (Kathy) Anderson, Patricia (Jeff) Borchardt, Thomas (Kathy) Krans, Linda (Rick) Chrisman, and Susan (Raymond) DallaValle; 14 nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
Milt was preceded in death by his parents, Martin "Marty" and Catherine (VanCamp) Anderson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, LeRoy "Bucky" and Marie Krans; and his brother-in-law, Greg Krans.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 13th from noon - 3 p.m. at Wellspring Community Church, 301 N Lincoln Rd., Escanaba. The funeral service will take place at 3 p.m. with Pastor Paul Culbertson officiating. A meal will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to his family and a memorial will be established at a later date.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfunealhomes.net The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
