Benjamin R. Anderson

He was born June 22, 1923, in Homestead, son of the late Richard and Freda (Pearson) Anderson. A 1940 graduate of Iron Mountain High School, he operated a dairy and egg farm in Homestead.

Benjamin married LaVerne Grimord at Homestead Baptist Church on Feb. 14, 1946. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage, raising three children. LaVerne preceded him in death on Jan. 7, 2006.

As a farmer, Mr. Anderson was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and delivered eggs to homes and businesses in the area. Upon his retirement, he received a commemorative watch from his brother, Ray, saluting 46 years of farming. He wore it 33 years.

He was active in local government, especially in retirement, serving many years on the Homestead Town Board and also on the Florence County Board of Supervisors. He was a keen observer of politics, serving as a local chairman for several state and national campaigns.

After moving with LaVerne to an apartment in Aurora, he remained active with the Florence County Aging Unit.

He enjoyed the support and company of his neighbors at Stoney Brook Apartments and attended Homestead Baptist Church. He was happy to ride as one of the grand marshals in the Aurora Centennial parade in 2017.

Over the past year, he lived with his son and daughter-in-law, James and Christine Anderson, in Kingsford.

He enjoyed country and gospel music, news magazines and newspapers, and put family at the forefront.

In declining health, he was helped by Dr. Douglas Villa, Dr. Stephen Leonard, Pastor Seiya Asanuma, nurse aide Amanda Schuirmann and later the staff at ManorCare to carry on with grace.

In addition to his wife, LaVerne, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Francar, in 1998. He was also preceded in death by two brothers and their wives, Hartley and Marcia Anderson, and Raymond and Marion Anderson; and brothers-in-law Richard Grimord, Dean Melin and Henry Olson.

He is survived by two sons, Ken (Lynda) Anderson of Manitowoc, Wis.; and James (Christine) Anderson of Kingsford; two sisters, Vivian Melin of Kingsford and Vernice Olson of Homestead; sister-in-law Lorraine Grimord of Brookfield, Wis; son-in-law Vaughn (Lorie) Francar of Hobart, Wis.: grandchildren Scott (Michelle) Francar, Kevin (Yvonne) Plekan, Neil (Lindsay) Plekan, April (Nick) Neuens, Joseph Supa and Jacob Supa; great-grandchildren Isabella, Zachary, Elliana, Meryla, Abbigail, Daniel, Sara, Stephen, Stella, Sean, Emma, Molly, Dennis, Jazzlyne, Cameron and Cody; great-great grandchildren Jackson and Adeline; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Homestead Baptist Church, 2670 County Rd N.

Funeral services will follow at noon at the church with Pastor Seiya Asanuma officiating.

Burial will be in Aurora-Homestead Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of Benjamin R. Anderson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.