Carl R. Anderson

Carl R. Anderson, also known as “Ted”, passed away on May 27, 2014 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, with his family at his side. Carl was born August 2, 1931 in Harbert, Michigan and continued to live in that community his whole life.  His parents were Carl and Marguerite (Whitmeyer) Anderson and he had three sisters – Susan Harte, Dolores Mischke and Jackie Bauer all of whom preceded him in death. After attending college at Western Michigan University and Michigan Tech, he worked briefly for Modern Plastics and Joy Mfg. before his 33 year long career at Whirlpool, where he retired as Director of Transportation. At sixteen he joined the Naval Reserve and remained active for 10 years.  He served on the River Valley School Board for 9 years.  He was instrumental in the formation of Chikaming Open Lands and became actively involved in Chikaming Township politics, serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals, also on the ad hoc committee rewriting the zoning ordinances that govern the township today.  It was with great enthusiasm and joy that he served the township as supervisor for almost 2 terms.  Chikaming Preserve and Park came into being on his watch. He spent 61 years happily married to his wife Shirley.  Together they raised a family of two children, daughter Denise (Jim) Reeves of St. Joseph and son Ross (Stefanie) Anderson of Kaneohe, Hawaii.  Their beloved lakeside home in Harbert was always the gathering place for the family.  Carl loved his 5 grandchildren, enjoyed fishing on the lake, and spent many hours beach combing and expanding his crinoids collection. Carl and Shirley loved to travel, especially to Shirley’s childhood home in Germany.  Their adventures also took them throughout Europe, Central America and the States.  Carl had many fond memories of visiting their son in Hawaii and seeing the volcanoes. Survivors include his wife and children, his dear grandchildren Makenna and TJ Reeves and Dakota, Grace, and Noah Anderson, a niece and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and special “brother-in-law” William von Meding. Cremation has taken place according to his wishes.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chikaming Open Lands 12291 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125 or Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127. Those wishing to share a memory of Carl online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.