John Anderson

John Wayne Anderson, age 72, of St. Johns, MI, passed away surrounded by the love of his family Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing.

A Graveside Service will be held at Pritchard Cemetery, Elwell, MI at on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Andy Croel officiating.

John was born in Alma, MI on September 16, 1948, the son of C. Wayne and Lillice S. (LaPaugh) Anderson. He graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1968. John served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army. He retired from Pepsi-Cola Company after many years of service and enjoyed his coworkers and the many people he met on his delivery route.

On November 22, 1969, John married Dorothy L. Turner at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Ithaca, MI. They were blessed to celebrate their 51st anniversary last month. John was an active member at Pilgrim United Methodist Church in St. Johns for over 40 years

John loved to laugh and bring laughter to others. He enjoyed being a prankster. John cared deeply about others; he was giving and always ready to help someone in need. If someone was sick, he was always the first one there to cheer them up. One of John's favorite pastimes was watching the freighters on Lake Superior and watching the kids play on the beach. This was a tradition started by his father and John has passed it on to his family. Most of all, John loved his family and treasured the time spent with them.

John is survived by his wife Dorothy, 3 children: Lori (Eric) Mills of Brimley, MI, Joe (Ashley) Anderson of Potterville, MI, and Lisa Gruber of St. Johns, MI; 7 grandchildren: Collette (fiancé Nick), Danny, Evan, Luke, Myles, Elizabeth, and Lily; and 1 great granddaughter Aryia. He is also survived by 5 siblings: Lanice Hall, Chuck (Judy) Anderson, Cherie Yost, Christine Veenema, and Hans (Julie) Anderson; and many close in-laws and nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother David, nephew Tommy, and several in-laws.

The family requests memorials be made to The Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington DC, 20077. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI