Obituaries

Gary Wayne Anderson, 85, of Chippewa Falls passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home of Chippewa Falls surrounded by family.

Gary was born to Roy and Ida (Brommer) Anderson on May 13, 1939, in Eau Claire. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and served until 1962. He was stationed in Europe and enjoyed driving many Generals all over Europe. After serving in the Army, Gary worked at the local papermill. He married Peggy Shafer on April 30, 1966, and had two children Kimberly and Alan. The two later divorced in 2002. Gary retired from the papermill after 38 years.

He was an avid fisherman and loved being outside in nature. He enjoyed animals and loved telling stories about his pet racoon and his dog, Samantha. He loved his diet coke, lefsa, his sister’s cookies, and teasing his nieces and nephews and the staff at the
Wisconsin Veterans’ Home.

Gary is survived by his children, Kimberly (Brian) Butnick and Alan Anderson; his grandchildren, Julia (Bobby) Montgomery and Jacob Butnick; his sister, Carol (Robert) Collinson; brother Richard (Christine) Anderson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert Anderson, Howard Anderson, and his sister Diane Snyder.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home in Chippewa Falls for taking care of Gary for the past five years and always treating him with kindness and patience. They would also like to thank the St. Croix Hospice staff for helping Gary through this transition from this life into the next one.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. An inurnment will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery, with American Legion Post 305 performing Military Honors. Family and friends may leave condolences online.