Ivan L. Anderson, 86, of Eau Claire died Sunday, February 25, 2007, at Dove Healthcare and Rehabilitation. He was born on his family farm in Cleveland township near Fairchild, Wisconsin on September 11, 1920, a son of Thomas and Clara (Hanson) Anderson.\r\nIvan married Pandora Evelyn "Penny" Johnson at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on March 1, 1941.\r\nHe served in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II, leaving for the European Theatre on Sept. 21, 1943, where he participated in the landing at Anzzio, Italy and two more beach landings in France. He participated in the campaigns of Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. His numerous decorations included the Silver Battle Star and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on October 21, 1945.\r\nIvan worked 38 years at Uniroyal as an electrician, retiring in 1984.\r\nHe was a longtime member of Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church where he served as Elder over 30 years. Ivan was still playing on the church softball team in his 70's.\r\nHe delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, and throughout his retirement years conducted Bible study at Grace Barstow Apartments and Dove Healthcare.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Penny, two sons, Paul (Lori) Anderson of Fergus Falls, MN and their sons, Isaiah and Elias Anderson, Timothy (Julie) Anderson of Eau Claire and their daughters, Elisabeth and Emilee Anderson, two daughters, Karen Anderson of Menomonie and Rebekah (Jim) Narvesen of Eagan, MN and their children, David (Sonja), Amy, Tom, Andy and Kjerstin Narvesen; a brother, Melvin Anderson of Eau Claire; sister, Thelma Kielland of Billings, MT; sister-in-law, Charlotte Anderson of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Dan (Shirley) Johnson of Slinger, WI; and several nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David; three brothers, Elmer, Norman and Morris Anderson; and a sister, Celia Anderson.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Paul Larson officiating. American Legion Post #53 will conduct military honors. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church Deacon Fund, 123 W. Hamilton Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Service Information