Obituary
Donald “Keith” Anderson
Donald “Keith” Anderson passed away surrounded by his family on December 1, 2022 at Gundersen Health System from a stroke suffered a month prior.
Keith was well-known in the LaCrosse area as a DJ at classic rock radio stations including WIZM, The Eagle, and Classic Rock. His love of music began at an early age with the Beatles and inspired him to learn to play the guitar and drums. He later played and sang in popular local bands including Viagara Falls, Radio Flyer, and Radio Waves. He was also the public address announcer for the LaCrosse Catbirds and LaCrosse Bobcats, and worked as a marketing director at LaCrosse Plumbing Supply.
In addition to his vocal and musical pursuits, Keith enjoyed playing and coaching baseball and softball, camping at Goose Island and telling stories by the campfire, playing league darts and bowling, reading, watching movies, playing cards and cribbage, and cheering on the Twins and Vikings while his wife Carol rooted for the Brewers and Packers. He deeply loved his pets, especially Bandit, Shady, and Glory B. He was also passionate about guns, hunting, Westerns and John Wayne, and cowboy action shooting (alias Sierra Jack Cassidy). He founded the Western Wisconsin Wild Bunch and its annual Fandango shooting event, and shot trap at the Chaseburg Rod and Gun Club. But there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandkids, Jack, Kate and Jax.
He was known for his great sense of humor, as well as a wealth of fascinating stories that at times defied believability. He shared his musings in on-air radio shows and was an early adopter and active participant on social media.
Keith was born in River Falls, WI on October 1, 1947 to Donald Herbert Anderson and Priscilla “Pat” Skane Anderson. He traveled the world in his early days as the son of a military dad, ultimately graduating from Zumbrota High School and attending college at River Falls and Winona State. He married his high school sweetheart, Eva Flotterud (whom he later divorced), and their daughter Robyn was born in 1969. He met his soul mate and best friend Carol Rambis of Sparta, WI at the Macamba Club in 1975. They married in 1981 and their son Dustin was born in 1987.
He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 42 years, Carol Anderson; children Robyn (Brett) Hallonquist and Dustin Anderson; grandchildren Jack Hallonquist, Kate Hallonquist, and Jax Anderson; sisters Lynne (Tony) Gibbons, Janelle (David) Milliken, and Kay Taylor; sister-in-law Teri Radam; many nieces and nephews; numerous friends and cowboy buddies; as well as the many thousands of listeners he had throughout his long broadcast career.
My deepest sympathy Carole. I enjoyed Keith’s sense of humor and loved working with him thru the years in radio. Much love.
The perfect tribute to Keith. I can’t imagine a person making quite the impact he made on people! And of all walks of life! His many hobbies connected him with so many. I can only imagine the stories his telling to those he’s meeting now! Missing him more than ever now. Carole and family, may God be with you now and always.
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Keith from 1978-1980 and he was a great co-worker, a great mentor, and a good friend.
He will be missed…
Oh, his his stories…definitely defied believability! But I loved hearing them. One of our last communications to each other, I told him that I missed our band and that we had some good times playing together. His sense of humor was always on…and especially when he would sing during a gig and then change the lyrics as he was singing. I would always bust out laughing and he would just have that mischievous little grin on his face. My deepest condolences to you all. I will miss him very much?
What a beautiful tribute to Keith, he truly was one of a kind. I am very sorry for your loss.
Fond memories of Keith way back in the 70s at WIZM, where I was the News Director. He always had an irreverent twinkle in his eye & a comment on everything, which I enjoyed. Grace and peace to your family.
Carol-
Please know I’m praying for Keith, you and your family. Always loved hearing him at those Catbird games.
We only knew each other for a brief time in life but you both have blessed me with your friendship. God bless
My heart is so hurt….Keith was one of my first working family members and he was such an inspiration and always offered me good advice. What an amazing soul. Love to you Carol and God’s speed to him! Heaven has gained some great lifes music!
What an amazing Obituary! My condolences & deepest sympathy to Carol, Dustin & the entire Keith Anderson family.
Keith was one of the best shooting buddies I had at Chaseburg. My memories of all the fun, sometimes crazy stuff are running down my cheeks. Keith you were my brother and friend. May God bless your soul, forever. Say hi to Papa for me.
Steph
So sad to hear…thinking of you and yours Carol.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I will hold my memories dear of the many laughs with Keith at La Crosse Radio. He was a one of a kind and had the biggest heart. Hugs to you and your family.
Always enjoyed Keith’s wit and humor. He most certainly will be missed.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keith leaves a hole here on earth.
Condolences to your family
One of Keith’s favorite songs that he loved to play on-air and out of format, where ever he worked was “Turn,Turn,Turn by The Byrds. He always prefaced it with..”words from the Bible.” It says a lot about his character. You will find the verses 1-11 in the Old Testament of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. There are times in nature that are so beautiful, that words can’t justify, as in Artistry. Keith Donald Anderson, was an Artist that words can’t describe. Love you brother!
I fondly remember working with Keith on WIZM radio in the 1970’s and those fun Remember When weekends! I
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Keith at the old WIZM in the 70’s. What a terrific man, a true gentleman and a great boss. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Keith will be dearly missed. His knowledge and the stories that came with it was priceless. What a great guy.
Our prayors go out to the Anderson family during this difficult time.
Carol, I am very sorry to you and your family for your loss. Keith was a friendly man with a great sense of humor. I will always remember him for that. ris Scheller
Keith will surely be missed by so many. He was such a memorable person, with so many stories to tell. I’ll never forget when he invited me to join his band in 2014. We shared a passion for ’60’s music, having both been inspired by the Beatles to join bands back then. He added so much to the group in so many ways. We had some great Rockin’ years together! My condolences to Carol and the family.
Worked with Keith while at the radio station and knew family thru Ush Rambis, Will treasure his memory and the decent person he was. Play your guitar up high Keith!!!! My sympathies and condolences to the family!!, Cathy Loomis
Carole, I’m sorry for your loss. When I came to La Crosse in 1973 Keith Andersen was doing the afternoon drive shift on WIZM-AM. I found myself thinking, someday I‘d like to sound as crisp and bright as Keith. Through the years our paths crossed many times. There was a sense of professionalism Keith always put forth. I was thrilled when Keith and I were able to work together at the La Crosse Media Group. No matter what was happening in the halls or how Keith felt, he was a rock on the air. When things got crazy, Keith would have a comment to bring us back to reality. Keith always had my back. I still watch the John Wayne movies Keith gave me. And yes, I enjoyed it when Keith would come to my office door to share a story. Thanks, Keith.
Carol,
I am so sad for the loss of Keith. Regrettably, I was not aware of his passing (or his stroke) until talking to Chuck Dockendorff on December 26. There are so many memories I have of both of you with the Catbirds experience. Condolences and comfort to you.