William Anderson

William "Bill" J. Anderson was born on September 18, 1964 in Elmhurst, IL to Reverend John W. and Janice E. Anderson. Bill went home to the Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2008. He was 43 years old. In 1982, Bill graduated from Carthage College and moved to Springfield. He owned Anderson Legislative Consulting, a government consulting firm. He began his career in politics as a legislative staffer for House Speaker Michael Madigan. Bill met and married coworker Letitia Dewith. Their marriage was rooted in their faith, their family, and their deep friendship. They prayed together, they worked together and they laughed together. They raised two wonderful children: Taylor K. and Allison Fritz. Bill leaves behind his parents, his wife, his children; and his sister, Sara Schmitt, a paternal grandmother, Marjorie Ruth Anderson, over 60 nephews and nieces many of whom he helped to raise; and, his mother-in-law, Juanita S. Barton. Bill always looked on the bright side of life. He had an infectious positive attitude; oftentimes, comforting those who came to comfort him during his many treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and blood and plasma transfusions. Through it all, his sunny disposition never once waned and his physical weakness never prevented him from sharing in his children's lives. Bill never missed one of his daughter's basketball games or volleyball games, nor did he miss his son's graduation from college in California. Known for his amicable approach toward all people and situations, Bill actively demonstrated the teachings of the Lord. He warmly and openly gave comfort, inspiration, and advice. He was quick to be of assistance to anyone in need. Bill will be missed greatly by all those whose path he crossed. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62703 with Rev. Shawn Denney officiating. Family will receive friends after the funeral ceremony until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family will also receive visitors and hold a Celebration of Bill's Life from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at 2002 Wiggins Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Simmons Cooper Cancer Center Infusion Room, c/o SIU Foundation, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666.