Gene W. Anderson's Obituary
Gene William Anderson of Waupaca Wisconsin, passed away on January 26, 2024 at 84 years old.
Gene was born on December 20, 1939 to John (Jack) and Florence Anderson in New London.
Gene is survived by his wife Carla, son William Anderson (Kristi), daughter Tammy Anderson Callis (Scot), grandchildren Emily Anderson Frett (Brian), Luke Anderson, and Kinderly Bueche (Kameron), great grandchildren Kaiden and Bentley Gene Bueche, twin brother Joseph Anderson (Nancy), and sister Jane Anderson (Geoffrey Andersen), sister-in-law, Barb Anderson. He is preceded in death by his grandson Jacob Anderson, brothers (spouses) George (Elayne), James, and John (Mona), and great niece Christen Harrington.
He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1957.
Gene had a gift for relaying his many tales, whether it be the roads he traveled, the love of his life, or the automobiles and trucks he had driven. On May 28, 1958, at Al and Ralphs Filling Station (by the High School), Gene asked Carla Grenlie if she wanted a ride on his motorcycle. She was the love of his life from that day forward. On November 24, 1962, they were married.
Gene held his family close. He was the most loving husband, father, and grandfather. When his children were growing up, his numerous hobbies always included family; Roller skating Saturday evenings at Bear Lake, ski trips, airplane rides (he flew Cessnas), traveling in his motorhome, and many cross-country road trips. Later in life he resumed riding Harleys, driving semi tractors, and scuba diving.
He was extremely entrepreneurial and always had a vision. Out of high school, he worked for Kleinhuizen Tree Service until 1958 doing line clearance, which led to him starting Anderson Tree Service in 1968. Each summer he took a leave of absence from truck driving and worked the Tree Service, while also building other businesses. In 1978, he started Anderson Wrecker Service (short lived!), followed by Anderson Disposal in 1979. Thinking he wanted a less stressful career; he and Carla built the Weyauwega Dairy Bar and the Weyauwega Car Wash in 1986. Throughout nearly his entire working career, Gene drove semi-truck during his “down time,” starting in 1958 with HO Wolding, Dushek Trucking, Kiekhaefer (Mercury Marine OTR) and Ruan Transport.
One of his greatest achievements was building his 1982 motor coach, which he used to this day. Not surprising, he drove semi until he was 81. He maneuvered an 18-wheel semi through Milwaukee to downtown Chicago weekly. There are not many highways, truck stops, or greasy spoons he did not visit. When he was not driving a truck or up in a tree, he loved hanging out at his shop and daily breakfast “meetings” at Waupaca restaurants.
As a local high school graduate with no formal higher education, Gene built a successful and impactful life in Waupaca. He loved hanging at his shop, looking at the lake and treasured Sunday afternoon pontoon rides. He was very proud of reaching his dreams based on pure hard work, commitment, and curiosity.
There was nothing he could not do. He was fearless. Whether it was landing planes in hay fields, climbing 100’ trees with electrical wires tangled in them, or maneuvering Chicago traffic in a semi-truck, Gene did all this with incredible talent and grace.
Even his failing health during the last few years of his life did not stop him from bringing a uniquely positive energy to everyone he encountered. We will love, miss you, and cherish the memories.
A Funeral Service for Gene will be at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Visitation will be held again, at church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time service. Reverend Andy Behrendt will be officiating. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. To view a live stream of Gene's service, clickhere
What’s your fondest memory of Gene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gene?
Share a story where Gene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gene you’ll never forget.
How did Gene make you smile?