Arnold “Arnie” O. Anderson, 82 of Eau Claire passed away April 13, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.
Arnie was born on April 22, 1933 to Richard and Margaret Anderson in Chippewa Falls and was raised on a farm in Jim Falls. He was the youngest boy of nine children with six brothers and two sisters. Arnie graduated from Cadott High School in 1951. In 1953, he was drafted into the Army in the artillery division. He worked for NSP (Xcel Energy) for 35 years as a hydro plant operator at the Lake Wissota Dam.
In 1958, he married Carol Sherman. They have two sons; Paul Anderson of Eau Claire and David (Kathy) Anderson of Topsham, Maine. Also surviving him are his four grandchildren; Nick (Leslie) Anderson of Canal Winchester, Ohio, Erin (Josh) George of Eau Claire, Mike (Jackie) Anderson of Topsham, Maine, and Samantha (Justin Juray) Anderson of Topsham, Maine. Arnie was also a proud great grandpa to eight great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and went on a special trip to Germany and Italy where he visited his son and family who were stationed there.
Arnie was a member and did a great deal of volunteer work at Grace Lutheran Church. He also volunteered at the Chippewa Valley Museum, Meals on Wheels and the Masonic Lodge. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the American Legion, which Arnie was also a member of, for the military rights at the funeral service.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Alice and Ruth, and four brothers; Jack, Gunnar, Arvid and Rolf.
The family would like to recognize and extend their thanks to all of the caregivers at Mayo and Dove Healthcare – West for their kindness and the wonderful care that Arnie received.
Memorial services will be Friday, April 22, 2016, Arnie’s birthday, at 11:00am at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Dean Simpson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.