Earl David Anderson, 82, passed away on April 15, 2011. He was born on October 19, 1928, in Ludington, Michigan; to Bertha and Karl Anderson, the youngest of five children.
Earl graduated from Ludington High School in 1946. During high school, he enjoyed playing both basketball and football. He was a guard for the basketball teams and a kicker for football, and successful in both sports. After graduating from high school in 1946, he went into the Army to serve his country. He was stationed overseas in both Korea and Japan. Returning home to Ludington in 1948, he joined his fathers painting business, Quality Paint & Decorating. Over the next few years, he led teams that painted several landmark lighthouses along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
He met Elizabeth "Liz" Anderson in 1951 and they married on October 16, 1954, in Ludington, MI. They had 3 children: David, Lynn and Karen. The family moved to Saginaw, Michigan in 1964, where Earl began a career in Sales, and soon after earned his Real Estate license. He sold real estate properties in Michigan and then later, in Florida. In 1984, Earl and Liz moved to St. Petersburg, FL. In Florida, Earl began his last career phase, selling sales training programs to both the real estate and auto industries. He traveled extensively throughout his work career and loved to drive! Earl retired in the late 1990's.
Earl was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He thoroughly enjoyed having his children and grandchildren visit in Florida. He loved the water and sports. An avid fan of all the major sports, he developed a passion for golf after moving to Florida. Earl and Liz lived at Isla del Sol, overlooking both the water and golf course there. A picturesque and ideal setting and one that Earl truly loved. He spent his last few years off and on at Bay Pines VA Hospital, and then his last few days at the Hospice there. Earl touched many lives and will be deeply missed and forever loved.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Elizabeth Anderson of St. Petersburg FL; his sister Irene Beshgetoor of Midland, MI; brother-in-law Enoch Anderson (Betty) of Glen Ellyn, IL; sister-in-law Anne Anderson of Chatham, MA; one son, David Anderson (Nancy Broadwell) of Grand Rapids, MI; two daughters, Lynn Bjerkestrand (Lowell) of Richland, WA and Karen Berlin (Dan) of Plainfield, IL; (7) grandchildren: Matthew Anderson of Palm Harbor, FL; Stephen Anderson (Anna) of Grand Rapids, MI; Megan Bjerkestrand of Richland, WA; Kristin Berlin of Chicago, IL, Chelsey Berlin of Chicago, IL, Tyler Berlin of Plainfield, IL and Kurt Bjerkestrand of Richland, WA; one great grandchild, Landon Anderson; nieces, Sue Asher, Donna Beshgetoor, Nancy Kawiecki, Krystn Wagenberg; and nephews, Jere Anderson and Michael Anderson.
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Thoughts and prayers to this family in the passing of their loved one. Ludington MI was Earl’s early home and he has many dear friends here who will be sorry for his loss. May God be with Liz and her family.
My Uncle Earl was a quiet man but a very loving father and husband. My memories of him are at Thanksgiving in Ludington, MI growing up with his children; Lynn, David and especially Karen. We had many lively family dinners that were filled with great food, conversations and love. My love and support go out to my Aunt Liz and all my cousins and their families. Uncle Earl will be missed.