John William Anderson

John W. "Jack" Anderson Pocatello - John William "Jack"Anderson, 83, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully early Sunday, September 7, 2008 at his home following and extended illness.

He was born June 23, 1925 in Newport, Washington, a son of Gustof W. and Cicily May Morton Anderson.

Jack had a great love of family and spent as much time as possible with them. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his wife of nearly sixty years, children, grandchildren and buddies on annual hunting trips. There was always a competition between "the boys" to see who would bag the biggest buck, which amused dad. Jack spent most weekends of the summer camping and fishing in Mackay, Chesterfield and Island Park or anywhere else the fish were biting.

Jack joined the Marine Corps shortly after the beginning of World War II and served our country in the Pacific Theater in campaigns at Okinawa, Guadalcanal, New Caledonia, British Solomon Islands, Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and in Guam as well as China. After the war, he returned to Northern Idaho where he worked as a lumberjack, in the mines, delivered coal and many other post-war jobs that were available. It was during this time in the town of Spokane where he met the love of his life, Glenna Kelly and after a short two-week courtship they were married on September 27th, 1948. After spending time at Glenna's home town of Rockland, Idaho, they moved to Pocatello to raise their family, where he worked as a driver for Consolidated Freightways and Bannock Paving Company until his retirement.

Dad was an early riser and was well known for his early morning walks all around the streets of Pocatello. He had many friends and always had a dog treat in his pocket for the canine friends he encountered on his daily treks. Dad had a natural way about him that attracted friends, fur or not. He was well liked by many people and always willing to lend a hand and help those in need. His neighbor will miss having him around to clean the snow off everyone's walks, as well as tending to many of the yards in the neighborhood for those that needed the assistance.

Dad was a lifetime blood donor to the Idaho Red Cross. He volunteered his time to many different causes, enjoying most, the 20 years he spent working at the Frontier Rodeo and the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

He is survived by his wife and four children; sons, Larry D. (Barbara) Anderson, Kelly L (Dawn Marie) Anderson, Randy C. (Gayle Sue) Anderson; daughter Rosanna Anderson, his sister, Beatrice Graupman, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho; brother-in-law, Chester Bland, Spokane,Washington; 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Bland, brother-in-law, Clarence Graupman, his parents Gustaf and Cicley Anderson.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valleyview Cemetery in Rockland, Idaho with military rites. The family will meet with friends Friday evening Sept 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn of Pocatello (1399 Bench Road). Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Idaho Youth Ranch or Idaho Food Bank.