Gene A. Anderson, Died July 21, 2019

Gene A. Anderson
Died July 21, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Our amazing husband and father; Gene Alan Anderson, 71, stepped into the presence of his Lord on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was a life-long son of Leelanau County.  He was born March 22, 1948 in the Anderson family home and farm, the son of Theodore Martinius Anderson and Rachel Margaret (Setterbo) Anderson.  Gene was the youngest of six children.  He grew up at the Hillyside Farm relishing farm life helping his mom, dad and brother Bob with chores.  He often spoke about the great memories of his mother’s home cooking and canning. 

He attended the Stone School house in Suttons Bay and graduated in 1966.  Gene continued his education at Northwestern Michigan College and numerous classes for general contracting.

Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4^th Class and S-4 Supply Clerk.  He was in the 38^th Infantry, 2^ndInfantry Division and served in Korea from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War.  He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves when he returned stateside. 

Gene married his first wife Ann Marie Egler on June 17, 1969.  Together they had two children, Matthew James Anderson and Marc Alan Anderson.  Gene loved spending time teaching and raising his sons.

He worked for his father-in-law, Ed Egler’s construction business.  Gene built and remodeled homes from 1966 through 2019.  He was a Master Carpenter and Craftsman.  His work ethic was incredible.  Gene’s relationships with his clients grew into friendships.  He restored “Hillyside,” the family home place which his grandfather Thorvald Anderson originally built in 1898. 

Gene served on the board of the Pregnancy Resource Center.  He also served for a period of time on the board of Bible Baptist Church in Traverse City.  He was a member of the Sons of Norway Christian Radich Lodge 5-568.  Gene was very proud of his Norwegian heritage from both of his parents.

Gene married Christine Ann Maley Swaim on March 16, 2002. Their relationship began with a simple prayer which led to 17 loving years together at Hillyside Farm. Gene embraced her four children, Ryan, Victoria, Morgan and Adam as his own and became a great influence in their lives.

He was a man of integrity and honesty.  Gene treated people fairly and was thoughtful and kindhearted.  He was loved and respected by many people.  Gene was a mentor, shared his wisdom and was encouraging to many.  He approached life with confidence, had a positive outlook and treasured each day as a gift.

At the age of 14, Gene had an epiphany.  He asked God one evening – Where did we come from?  What happens when we die?  God answered him and showed him in a dream.  He was excited when he came down to breakfast the next morning to tell his parents what God told him.  As soon as his foot hit the downstairs floor, the ability to put into words what God had told him was gone but, he was left with a hunger for his Lord and Savior. This led to further desire for God and His word and ultimately repentance and faith in His son Jesus Christ. Gene shared his faith in Christ with others in word and deed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, reading God’s word and sharing the Gospel. His life shone with the full armor of God upon him.  

Even though Parkinson’s Disease ravaged his body, Gene’s mind stayed clear. Gene and Christine worked as a team to meet the disease with dignity and grace, trusting God through it all. Parkinson’s Network North support group was a wonderful resource for us.  Hettie Molvang’s knowledge has been invaluable. Our family would like to thank the many family members, neighbors and friends who have come along beside us.

Gene is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Matthew James Anderson, Marc Alan (Hayley) Anderson, Christopher Ryan (Kimberlee) Swaim, Victoria Nicole (Torrey) Ferrell, Morgan Edward (Martha) Swaim, Adam Taylor (Meaghan) Swaim; a brother, Robert (Effie) Anderson; sister in law, Martha Anderson; mother in law, Nancy Maley,  and a brother in law, Charles J. (LeeAnn) Maley; his grandchildren, Jacob Ryan, Jeffrey Dean, Brady Alan, Tristan Edward, Logan Miller, Rylee Grace, Christopher Andrew, Brianna Nicole, Lillian Claire, Maley Seabrook, Elizabeth Byers, Graecyn Elizabeth and Henleigh Ray; numerous nieces and nephews,  great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister in infancy, Rose Ann Anderson; a sister, Thelma Marie McClintock, his brothers, Theodore Ralph Anderson, Clayton Peter Anderson. 

We would like to thank the many people who have helped us travel this journey.  We celebrate the gift God gave each of us through Gene. With heavy hearts we say goodbye to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend until we are all together again in God’s loving arms.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Worship Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 25 at the Bible Baptist Church of Traverse City with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay.  Pastor Joel Brown will officiate.  

Memorials may be directed to Parkinson’s Network North, PO Box 5734, Traverse City, MI 49696; Pregnancy Care Center, 121 S. Garfield Ave., Suite C, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685.

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