Obituary for Warner O. "Vern" Anderson
Warner O. "Vern" Anderson, formerly of Janesville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2013, at St. Clare Hospice House, Baraboo, WI, with his family at his side. Vern was born April 22, 1925, in Rockford, IL, to Richard Anderson from Gothenburg, Sweden, and Fanny Anderson, nee Johansen, from Oslo, Norway. Vern spent his childhood in Rockford and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He played the French horn in the Marine Band before combat deployment to the Pacific during World War II. Vern also served several years with the Merchant Marine. After the war, Vern held a number of colorful jobs, including carnival barker, before settling into a lifelong career as a machinist. He married twice, the second time to Leigh Shaffer in 1956. They lived most of their life together in Janesville, WI. They had two children, Margaret and Steven. After a divorce in 1981, Vern lived in Janesville until 2012, when he moved to the Wisconsin Veteran's Home in King, WI, then to Oxford, WI, to live with his son, Steven, and his family. Vern was frequently seen at gun shows throughout southern Wisconsin, sporting a WWII Veteran cap. While his temporary enthusiasms spanned rock collecting, metal detection, model trains and raising rabbits, he directed his lifelong passion to gun shows, arguments and the Wisconsin State lottery. One of his happiest experiences was a father-son honor trip to Washington, D.C. in May of 2013 as part of Vets Roll, and in his final months, he developed a special relationship with great-grandson, Jackson Lee.
Vern is survived by his children: Margaret Anderson (Janet Sperstad) of Madison, and Steven Anderson (Julie) of Oxford; his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brothers, Richard and Ralph Anderson of Rockford.
A private memorial was held by the family. Assisting the family is Hansen Funeral Home, Janesville. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenfh.com
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Vern is survived by his children: Margaret Anderson (Janet Sperstad) of Madison, and Steven Anderson (Julie) of Oxford; his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brothers, Richard and Ralph Anderson of Rockford.
A private memorial was held by the family. Assisting the family is Hansen Funeral Home, Janesville. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenfh.com
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