Arthur “Art” A. Anderson, age 78, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Pine Crest Nursing Home. Art was born May 15, 1940, in Chicago, the youngest of three children. On November 7, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Joann Martin, whom he met at the Hub Roller Rink.
Art worked as a printer in downtown Chicago before moving his family to Wisconsin to fulfill his dream of owning his own business (Anderson Printing Service) and living on a hobby farm in the town of Corning.
Art was a life member of the Merrill Optimist Club; he was active in BSA serving as a Cub Scout, Webelos, and Boy Scout Leader; and he was a proud member of the National Guard. He was also a long time member at St. Francis Catholic Church in Merrill. Art was an avid bowler who also enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards and board games, and watching old Western movies and game shows with his friends and family.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Gunnar Anderson and Alice Lennea (Lauren) Anderson, sister-in-law, Marilyn Anderson and brother-in-law, Al Asciutto. Art is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joann, his brother, Carl Gunnar Anderson, his sister, Ann Marie Asciutto, nine children: Michelle Anderson, North Miami, Florida, Suzanne (Tim) Devine, Eau Claire, Laura Anderson, Scottsdale, Arizona, Christine (Lee) Lau, Merrill, Nadine (Dan) Kannel, Plum City, Michael Anderson, Merrill, Paulette (Scott) Severt, Merrill, Edward (Janelle) Anderson, Ferryville, and Steven (Heather) Anderson, Winneconne, 20 grandchildren: Mitchell (Jeanne), Mallory, McKenzie, Max Devine, Brittany, Austin Malm, Emily, Sam Lau, Brandon, Shelby, Jazmin Kannel, Bruce, Gunnar Anderson, Cole, Sierra Severt, Brooke, Sage, Drake Anderson, and Margaret, Jed Anderson, one great grandson, Thomas Devine and many other loved family members and friends.
A Celebration of Art’s Life will take place on Friday, June 8 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Merrill. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. In lieu of gifts and flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be made in Art’s memory to the Merrill Optimist Club or the American Cancer Society.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.