Heath Russell Anderson

Heath Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2026, after an 18-month battle with stage IV colorectal cancer. True to who he was, Heath faced his diagnosis like a rockstar - traveling, working, enjoying time with the people he loved, even during his roughest chemo weeks.

Heath was born in Bloomington, Indiana and grew up in Rushville, Indiana. Heath attended Trine University, where he joined the Delta Chi Fraternity and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force from 2013 to 2017, stationed in Los Angeles, California. After separating from the Air Force, Heath moved to Chicago, where he built a successful career in Information Security and Technology. Along the way, Heath formed friendships that became family.

Heath lived a well-traveled life. His first international trip took him to Brazil for the World Cup, sparking a lifelong passion for adventure. He went on to explore Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Russia, multiple road trips across the U.S., and many countries across Europe, most recently travelling to Ireland and Scotland to see Oasis in August.

While living in Los Angeles, Heath met his wife, Maggie. She later moved to Chicago with him and in the summer of 2019, they adopted their dog, Bourdain - named after Anthony Bourdain, their favorite chef, and a fitting name given his love of food. Heath and Maggie were married on November 13, 2020, during the pandemic, and celebrated with friends and family in Pittsburgh the following year. They celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary this past November.

In addition to travel, Heath enjoyed cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, the Pacers, and Indiana University Football. Unfortunately he did not enjoy watching the Colts so much this season, but he did enjoy watching the IU game with his dad on Friday night waking up to celebrate every touchdown during the game.

In Heath’s final weeks, he was surrounded by friends and family doing his favorite things including watching football, playing games, visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, enjoying sushi, jibaritos and pizza, visiting the spa, getting to see his niece take her first steps in our home, and celebrating his retirement party - including playing his favorite casino game blackjack!

Above all, Heath was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, dog dad, and best friend. He is survived by his parents, Hank and Deann Anderson; his sister Kara Anderson and her wife Tori Spurling; his wife Margaret Serkes; and his beloved dog, Bourdain. He is also survived by an extended, loving family and hundreds of friends whose hearts he touched throughout his life.

Heath and Maggie talked about the messages he would send from the other side. If you see a rainbow or feel a gentle, calming breeze on a hot day, know that it’s Heath saying hello and letting us know he’s okay. And if you want to honor him in true Heath fashion, enjoy one of his favorite foods: pizza or key lime pie - and be sure to have a dance party.

A private viewing was held on January 13 at Drake & Son Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, just as Heath wanted, during the warmer months in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Culinary Care at www.culinarycare.org/donate, which provides meals from Chicago restaurants to patients receiving chemotherapy at Northwestern Hospital, or to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at www.colorectalcancer.org, a nonprofit dedicated to ending colorectal cancer by providing patient and family support, advocating for prevention and funding research.

He will be missed beyond words.