James “Andy” Anderson
Tuesday, July 30, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Age:
88 years old
Tuesday, July 30, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Age:
88 years old
Tuesday, July 30, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Age:
88 years old
James “Andy” Anderson
James M. Anderson “Andy”, 88, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side.
Andy was born July 30, 1935 in Rochester, MN to Arnold and Helen (Mrachek) Anderson. He was a 1954 graduate of Rochester High School. After graduating, Andy proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Andy was honorably discharged and returned to Rochester, where he worked at the gas company, Mayo and also sold insurance. On November 11, 1959, Andy was united in marriage to Gretchen Dale at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Andy and Gretchen started the family business in 1967, Anderson Wheelchair and continued to work there well into their retirement. Andy was honored as Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1971. Throughout his life, Andy had a passion for advocating and helping others with physical disabilities. He was integral in working with legislation in Rochester and Minnesota for obtaining curb cutouts for wheelchair accessibility. Andy was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and past President of SEMCIL. He also had a love of hockey, from playing in high school, coaching youth hockey and watching all of his grandchildren play. Andy also enjoyed hunting, especially pheasant hunting, traveling with Gretchen to Hawaii, taking cruises to Alaska or to the Caribbean. He had a witty sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. Andy was generous with his time in helping others overcome their physical disabilities but above all, he mostly loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Andy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gretchen; children, Kim (Steve) Forliti and Jay (Kim) Anderson; grandchildren, Nick (Megan) Forliti, Andrew (Nikki) Forliti, Tyler (Alyssa) Anderson, and Drew Anderson; great-grandchildren, Logan and Chloe Forliti, Connor and Easton Forliti and by his brother-in-law, Dick (Kathy) Dale. Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Newman.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Father John Forliti will be officiating with burial at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or to Hiawatha Homes. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of James “Andy” Anderson has received the following condolences.
Gretchen, Kim, Jay and family. So sorry to hear about Andy’s passing. Such wonderful memories of you all and then to catch up later in life with Gretchen and Andy at Beetles occasionally…you both just were special. Da❤️
Andy was always very kind to me and very helpful for the Physical Therapy students over the years. I really enjoyed getting to know him better when he came in each year to show off for the PT students. He was a great example for them in showing them how to live a meaningful and successful life after spinal cord injury. I will be forever grateful for his comments, energy and attitude!
My condolences to his family, especially Jay and Steve who helped me initially connect with him to ask him to volunteer with the PT students.
To Gretchen and the Anderson Family.
Itwas great to see and talk to you at Andy's Memorial. I heard a quote on my way home that I thought appropriate.
"Don't cry because it's over. SMILE because it happened" (Dr. Seuss)
Tim Tarara
ps Thanks Steve
Dear Gretchen, Jay, Kim & family,
I have so many good memories of Jim—mostly at the rink in my younger years and then as an adult at church. He was an adult who made a young person feel welcomed and valued. It was always enjoyable to visit with him during hockey games on the corner of the Graham Arena rink—he showed sincere interest in what was going on in his conversation partner’s life. My family had many good visits with him (and you, Gretchen) after Mass at Pax Christi over the years as well.
I hope your many positive memories of this good man help you through this time of loss. Jim was a real gift for all who knew him—especially for all of you blessed to call him husband, dad, grandpa…
Anderson Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss! I remember Andy from when we served on the SEMCIL board together, and I've always appreciated the expertise at Anderson Wheelchair. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deep heart felt condolences to all the Anderson family. Andy will be missed, it was an honor knowing him.
Cheri & Kevin Ness
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We hope that the support of family and friends, and wonderful memories of times you spent together will sustain you in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
Laurie and Jim Korsmo
Dear Gretchen, Kim and Steve, Jay and Kim, please know that I am sending hugs to each of you. Andy was an incredible man who taught me so many things about living and perseverance. As a young PT, I was continually amazed by how beautifully he and Gretchen "danced" through life together. Now as a PT with many years behind me, I am in awe of his life's legacy. Each time I worked with Andy, his smile and willingness to share life-skills with me taught me more about Rehab than any book could. Please know how many lives he touched and changed; mine included. Andy will be missed. Love Lori.
Dear Kim and Teek and Gretchen and family my heart goes out to you and your families, Andy was a special guy I will never forget all the great times we had pheasant hunting ! I know Gret and Andy did so many great things in their life ! He will be missed! R.I.P. Thoughts and Prayers ? Burt Murdock
Gretchen and family. Our deepest condolences to all of you. We will always treasure the friendship you shared with us over the past 50 years. Gretchen you were an amazing spouse through Andy’s journey in life
Gretchen and family. I’m very sorry for your great loss. Andy was a great guy who made a difference to many people. He was always upbeat and had a smile on his face for everyone. He set a good example of how to live your life. He worked hard and also made time for his Faith. I’ll bet when Jesus met him at the gate of Heaven He told Andy “well done son.” RIP.
Dear Gretchen, Kim, and family-
On behalf of the Mattson family, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Jim was a mighty force in the community and helped so many through your business and his advocacy. I remember him fondly as our neighbor who always seemed to have a big smile on his face. We know how difficult it is to lose a father and our hearts go out to you. Wishing you comfort and peace during these difficult times.
Julie Mattson Ostrow
So sorry to hear of your loss. He sounded like quite an amazing man that did a lot of great things in his lifetime for others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anderson Family,
Always enjoyed our Sunday chats at Costco! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Wayne and Carol Venteicher
Gretchen
Deepest sympathy to and your family. Jim was a great neighbor always with a smile on his face. Bob enjoyed having a few beers with you and Jim on the deck over the years. Will miss our back yard visits.
Bob and Pat Murphy
Gretchen, Kim, Jay and family,
I am so sorry to read of Andy’s passing. We were neighbors for many years. I remember when Andy was injured as my dad was so concerned. I remember when you built the new house at the end of 24th street and we were even closer neighbors. The business was so very successful, we were all proud to know your family. (Every time I see a little Boston terrier I think of you.)
Andy did so very much for so many, may you find peace in knowing he made a difference.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time.
Sue Gilles Chrastil
Jay, Tyler, Drew, and family,
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Andy, but can see the fruits of his labor every time I visit Anderson's. You must be so proud to call him father and grandfather. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Mary Jo Eversman
My husband Don was one of Andy’s old hockey mates who always felt that Andy used his life to make a real difference.
May you find peace in the memories and may the love you shared sustain you.
My husband Don was one of Andy’s old hockey mates who always felt that Andy used his life to make a real difference.
May you find peace in the memories and may the love you shared sustain you.
Kim, Teke and family. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Andy. What a great guy. Never saw him when he wasn't sharing a joke or having a good time. I can't imagine the number of hockey rinks he'd been in. Always the biggest fan. Peace be with you all as you celebrate his legacy. God bless!
My sympathy to all the members of the Anderson Family. God Bless.