Obituary
John Anderson
John Anderson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and friend, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2026.
John was born on June 25, 1949, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Robert and Gloria (Nelson) Anderson. He graduated from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan in 1969 and continued his education at a technical college in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1972.
Following his education, John began his career as an optical technician. He spent 41 dedicated years with Soderberg Optical, which later changed ownership and became Wallman Optical Service, where he continued his work until his retirement.
John found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, spending time with his family especially his grandkids and especially spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and these hobbies brought him many years of enjoyment and treasured memories. As well as the many deaf community events that he was a part of the National Bass Association of the Deaf, as well as the deaf cruises. After retirement, John and his wife, Peggy, embraced the opportunity to travel together, enjoying several cruises, trips, casino visits.
John was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Above all, he treasured his family and the time spent with those closest to him.
John is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Anderson; his two children, Kari (Kyle) Schuster and Jason (Tonjia) Anderson; five grandchildren, Autumn, Ava, Ayden, Victoria, and Brinley; and two step-grandchildren, Berlin and Remington. He is also survived by his mother, Alice Gloria Anderson, known to family and friends as Gloria and his sisters, Jean Anderson and Annette Apfel; and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Anderson; his Maternal grandparents, Carl and Alice Norton and Paternal Grandparents Louis and Annette “Nettie” Anderson; his mother-in-law, Dollie Canard, Father-in-law Willie Spencer; his brother-in-law, George Apfel; and his sister-in-law, Susan Ogata.
John was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a wonderful family man. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his love for his family, and above all, his infectious laughter. It was the kind of laughter that made others smile and brought happiness to even the simplest moments. His laughter was unmistakably John, and it is something those who loved him will carry in their hearts forever. For 52 wonderful years, he and Peggy shared a marriage filled with love, happiness, challenges, and countless precious memories. Their life together was a testament to commitment, companionship, and enduring love.
Though John will be deeply missed, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life will be held from 1- 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska.
Peggy, Jason and Kari – my sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of John. I remember him always joking with us kids when we were younger. An amazing man who was admired by us neighborhood kids. Know I’m thinking of you all.