John Edward Anderson

JOHN EDWARD ANDERSON 1933-2020

            Mishawaka - John Edward Anderson, 86, of Mishawaka, IN died at his home Tuesday, January 7 2020. John was born February 3, 1933 in Chicago, Il to Edward Anderson and Leona Beaton Anderson. John’s wife, Bertha Anderson preceded him in death. John graduated from Lakewood High School in Ohio 1951 and attended Indiana University, Bloomington graduating in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army 1955-57. He married Bertha Conway June 16, 1956. John worked for & retired from Miles Labs/Bayer in Elkhart Indiana 1960-1995. He taught Purchasing Management & other courses at IUSB for 30 years. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed softball, where he played with the 5th Army, Miles AA & with the church league.  He played volleyball with MNSVAG for 30 years. He was an active member of Osceola United Methodist Church. John and Bert dedicated a great deal of their time to over 25 Elderhostels; graciously including their grandchildren on some of these adventures.

            John is survived by his children, Kathryn (Andrew) Mehlhop of Whitestown, IN, and J. Eric (Tonda) Anderson of Seattle; daughter-in-law, Ruth Anderson of Carmel; grandchildren, Jacob (Tori) Anderson of Indianapolis, Madeline Anderson of Covington, Ryan Anderson of Elmhurst and Jordan and Ian Anderson, both of Seattle; his great-grandson, Tovi Anderson; brother Keith (Georgene) Anderson of Elmhurst, IL; sister, Nancy Anderson Beardslee (Pat) of Colonial Heights, VA; sister-in-law Barbara Boatright of San Marcos, CA; numerous nieces and nephews & his beloved dog, Ginger Annie. John was preceded in death by his eldest son David Anderson and brothers-in-law John and Milton Conway.

            John’s family has profound gratitude for his invaluable caregivers/friends—Debbie, Margo, Tori, & Angela, who worked tirelessly to help him fulfill his wish to be at home through the end of his life. His favorite word was ‘JOY,’ he had a knack for finding joy regardless of the situation, and he would want nothing more than others to find their joy as part of his legacy.  

            The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Osceola United Methodist Church, 431 N. Beech Road, where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Private interment at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, Indiana.  The family’s preferred memorials are Osceola United Methodist Church, 431 N. Beech Rd., Osceola, IN 46561 and IU Med Center, 550 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Edward Anderson, please visit our floral store.