Gary Robert Anderson

Gary Robert Anderson passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s in the early morning hours of July 28, 2021, at home surrounded by family who deeply loved him. Gary R. Anderson was born in Madison, Wisconsin on November 5, 1940, to Harry B. and Beulah M. Anderson. He is the younger of two sons, the other being Howard B Anderson, 18 months his elder. Gary was raised in Saint Lewis Park, Minnesota, with summers in Great Falls and Billings, Montana with his grandparents Robert and Alsie Bulmer. Gary graduated from Saint Lewis Park High School in 1958. He then joined the United States Air Force and served four years (1959-1963) at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada as an Airman 1st Class to Senior Airman. It was during this time he met his beautiful bride, Patricia Ann Stiles. They were joined in marriage on December 16, 1961. Their first child, Anna Marie, was born the following year. Upon completion of service, the small family returned to Minnesota. In 1964, they moved to Great Falls, Montana, where Gary had very fond memories from his childhood. For a brief time, he worked at the Great Falls Smelter until he was accepted into the Montana Air National Guard, as a technician with the 120th Fighter Group working on F-106’s and then later F-16’s. He was an aircraft instructor and held a commercial aircraft mechanics license. Gary served in the Guard from July 1964 until his retirement in January 1993 as a Master Sergeant. During those years, the family grew to include daughter, Kimberly Kay, son, David Robert, and daughter, Jennifer Lynn. Upon retirement, Gary started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized on September 21, 1998. He remained a faithful Witness up to his death. His dream of traveling full time was realized in 2005, and he was able to do so for four full years until his health started to decline. In 2010, Gary and Patricia resettled back in Great Falls. In 2014, Gary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. This diagnosis, however, did not stop them from taking smaller trips to visit family in Nevada and Oregon, along with continuing many of his hobbies. Gary's hobbies included all outdoor activities, with a passion for hunting and fishing. He loved working with his hands in woodwork, mechanics, reloading, and fly tying. He was truly a “Jack of all trades and a master of most.” Gary was always willing to share his skills with anyone willing to learn. Watching Westerns, especially John Wayne movies, were enjoyed as well. Gary made it a propriety to spend quality time each summer with his family, camping and taking vacations throughout the country. Wonderful memories were made with each adventure! Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia A Anderson; children, Anna Marie (Micah) Mortensen, Kimberly K. (Jerry) Leksen, David R. (Cheryl) Anderson, and Jennifer L. (Joe Strong) Anderson; eight grandchildren, Elijah (Stephanie), Vaniea (Tim), Andrew (Jessica), Jared (Lisa), Kira, Sarah (Cody), Aaron, and Austin; and ten great-grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; brother; and great-grandson, Ethan Scott. Gary will always be remembered for his willingness to help others and his dedication to his family. He was a strong, supportive husband, father, grandfather, and man. He was immeasurably loved and will be extremely missed. To his wife, he was her “George of the Jungle” and to his dedicated children and grandchildren, he was their Hero. An in-person and virtual memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 6 pm at O’Connor Funeral Home. Contributions in Gary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association may be made through http://act.alz.org/goto/MyForgetmenotsforPops. Zoom Details: Meeting ID: 2316514040 / Passcode: 778005