Thomas Anderson, Jr.

Tom was born on July 19, 1935 in Negaunee, Michigan to Thomas E. Anderson, Sr. and Margaret (Blades) Anderson, and attended Negaunee schools. At about one year of age he won the Negaunee Baby contest. In his youth, he shined shoes in the taverns of Negaunee, and worked at Hazen Thomas Cash Market (Tommy’s Buy-Rite) as a route man, until enlisting in the United States Army, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division ‘Thuderbirds,’ rising to the rank of SSgt, and proudly serving in the Korean War 1952-1955. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), in addition to numerous other medals. One of the highlights of his military career included chauffeuring actresses Marilyn Monroe, Penny Singleton and Terry Moore during USO tours. Tom was a lifetime member of the Negaunee VFW, Post 3165, and also an honorary member of the Richmond Township Community Club, Suomi.

He was united in marriage to Alice Holmi on August 20, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee.

Following his service to his country, Tom began his working career at Jones and Laughlin (Tracy Mine Negaunee) as an underground miner. Due to the closure of the mine, Tom moved his family to Duluth, MN to begin a new career as a Federal Mine Inspector. He was then promoted to a supervisory position in Lansing, MI with the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA). Tom was also an instructor for MHSA in Beckley, WV and also represented MSHA as a private legal consultant. He and Alice happily resided for 27 years in Lansing before returning to Negaunee.

In his younger years, Tom enjoyed dancing on roller skates, working on vehicles, hunting, fishing, gardening, and refinishing furniture. He loved music and was an excellent dancer. During retirement he enjoyed working on his 1931 Ford Model-A, attending Tracy Mine reunions, and spending time with family at his hunting camp ‘Jumbo Rock.’ In addition to building the camp, he built a log cabin sauna from trees harvested off his land. Most important to Tom was spending time with his wife, ‘Blondie’ and his family.

Surviving are his loving wife of 69 years, Alice; children: Vickie Field of Forsyth Township, Gerald T. Anderson of Negaunee, Jean (Ron) Kangas of Palmer, Bill Anderson of Grass Lake, MI and Nichole (Danny) Collins of Ishpeming; two sisters, Marilyn (Brian) Davis of Tucson, AZ and Marsha (Jay) Manginen of Champion; 14 grandchildren: Tom, Stephen, Kimberly, Katie Rose, Thomas (T.J.), Megan, Autumn, Tara, Dustin, Kylie, Derek, Danny, Morgan and Blake; 19 great-grandchildren: Jesslyn, Austin, Alex, Dalton, Garron, Tyler, Ayden, Bobby (R.J.), Eleanor, Audrianna, Conrad, Calvin, Leah, Sadie, Giuliana, Brody, Evan, Audrey, Jonathan, and one great-great granddaughter on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Evelyn Peterson, June Ruel, Helen Ruel, Judy McNaney, Mary Messenger, David (Sonny) Anderson, Christine Riggs, Melvin Anderson and Douglas Anderson; son-in-law, Stephen Field; and daughters-in-law: Dawn Anderson and Antoinette Anderson.

The family will greet relatives and friends at 11:00 AM, prior to the 12:00 Noon service on Tuesday, December 3rd at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, with Rev. Bre Kinnunen officiating. A luncheon in the church fellowship hall will immediately follow services. Military honors will be accorded by United States Army Honor Guard, with grandson T.J. Anderson performing Taps.

Tom’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Stacy Luoma, his care aide and friend.

Tom’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.