LeRoy Verne 'Andy' Anderson

Anderson, LeRoy Verne "Andy" MADISON-LeRoy Verne "Andy" Anderson, a man of true integrity, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Meriter Hospital, with his loving family at his side. Andy was born on July 10, 1927, to Thorvald and Myrtle (Moe) Anderson, in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a graduate of Madison East High School's fabulous Class of 1945, where he played on the football, basketball, and track teams. After high school, Andy enlisted in the Navy in 1945 where he was a Fireman First Class. He returned to Madison and was a member of the 1946 University of Wisconsin football team. Andy later joined the Madison Fire Department, where he worked for the next 35 years. He also worked for the Sears Delivery department for those 35 years. Andy was called up by the Army where he then served two years in the Korean War as a drill sergeant, where he honed his very effective parenting techniques. Andy met the love of his life, Dolores Hatzinger, in 1949. They were married in 1951 and have been constant companions for the past 58 years. Andy was, above all, a family man. He always made it to all of his kids' sporting events, and reveled in their achievements. Andy was a devoted husband and father to his daughter Laurie, and five sons, Gary, Steve, Dean, Ross, and Craig. In his younger years, he was a terrific bowler and enjoyed many nights of playing cards with his buddies. Andy loved to cook, without the aid of recipes, and spent many hours tending to his lawn and garden. He enjoyed his lottery tickets, and rarely went more than a couple days without trying his luck. Even in his most trying times, Andy persevered with amazing strength and humor, through difficult health concerns the last ten years. Andy is survived by his wife, Dolores; six grateful and loving children; and 14 cherished grandchildren, each and every one his favorite. They include, Gary and his children, Cade and Cami; Steve and his children, Hannah and Haley; Dean and wife, Sherri and their children, Dylan (fiancee, Suzanne), Amy and Austin; Laurie Knitt and husband, Gus and their children, Rebekah and Nathan; Ross and wife, Kari and their children, Kea and Kyle; and Craig and wife, Jan and their children, Marie (fianc, Matt), Thomas and Monica. Andy was preceded in death by his parents; and two younger brothers, Duane and Merland "Babe". Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Friends and family may join in the procession to Highland Memory Gardens, departing from GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, for the burial. In lieu of flowers, Andy would appreciate memorials be made to the Salvation Army, who helped support him during his childhood. All family members recognize how truly blessed they were to have Andy in their lives. He was a role model to all and lovingly appreciated each family member. He will be sorely missed. Andy was appreciative of the love and support of his many friends, and grateful for the tender care provided by the doctors, nurses, and Chaplain Gary Reynolds at Meriter Hospital. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Andy would appreciate memorials be made to the Salvation Army, who helped support him during his childhood. Cemetery: Friends and family may join in the procession to Highland Memory Gardens, departing from GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, for the burial. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding.