Maynard Victor Anderson

Cap Anderson left this earth on Sunday, September 10, 2023 with the same dignity and grace that marked the way he lived during his 96 years. His body is now whole and no doubt he has reunited with his wife, Marilyn Louise Koll Anderson, whose death in 2019 interrupted their 71-year marriage. We imagine they are enjoying a waltz or polka together again.

Maynard Victor Anderson was born in Neola, IA, on May 16, 1927. His rural, midwestern upbringing shaped his values of kindness, perseverance, and charity as well as his corny sense of humor. He enjoyed music, delighting in the big band soundtrack of his youth and in hymns and songs, lending his solid baritone to the blend of voices in church choir. His collection of harmonicas provided hours of soulful, bouncy tunes that he shared with family, friends, and later, with residents of his assisted living community. He played a mean hand of bridge opposite his wife at many friends’ tables.

Faith was central to his life. He converted to Catholicism when he married and the church family he gained throughout his life provided community, sustenance, fun, and spiritual connection. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, a member of Promise Keepers and participated in many church fish frys and fundraisers. With Marilyn, he enjoyed dancing at the annual New Year’s Eve celebration. He could always be counted on to lend a hand where needed, expecting nothing in return.

Cap was a “hale fellow well met” wherever he went. He often shared stories of the gang of boys rambling through the farmland, the guys he met during his military service, and his professional colleagues from Polaroid who stayed in touch long after his retirement. With a long-time close group of friends, he formed the Ye Olde Farts Investment Club and the Greasy Spoon Supper Club, both serving as a reason for lively get-togethers over the years. He formed a harmonica group with fellow octogenarians and led a singing group of the Knights. He brought enthusiasm to all his interests and drew others into the activities with his joy.

Family meant the most to him. He chronicled his marriage and family in a story, “Pieces of Eight” that his children cherish. Cap and Marilyn raised six children together: Jan King (Eddie), Susan Pursell (David, both deceased), Judy Anderson, Doug Anderson (Ruby, deceased), Teresa Long (Wade), and Charlene Browning (George). He was a hands-on dad, never shying away from bedtime stories to homework help and school projects to discipline when necessary. In total the family extends to 26 people, including spouses and eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. He will be missed by his cousin, Marjorie Nabity and her family of Omaha, NE, and nephew, Chris Koll and his family of Urbandale, IA.

He lost Marilyn in 2019 and was heartbroken to lose daughter, Susan, and grandson, Tyler Eugene Pursell, both in the last two years. Other family members who pre-deceased him include his mother Randi Peterson Tracey, father Carl Victor Anderson, and brothers, Williard, George and Eugene Anderson.

Cap will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery and the family will announce services at a later time. It is with gratitude that we suggest gifts in Cap’s honor be made to Catholic Church of St. Ann, Marietta https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/weshare-20001351?tab=home (Select Special Donations) Also consider a gift to Smile Train to help those in need of cleft palate surgery http://www.smiletrain.org

The family would like to welcome everyone to attend a service of remembrance on Friday, October 6, 2023 to be held 11:00 am, at The Catholic Church of St. Ann, Marietta. A reception will follow the service.