Carl John Anderson

Carl John Anderson, age 70, of Austin, Texas passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023. Carl was born on March 13, 1953, in Passaic, New Jersey. He grew up in Winter Park, Florida and Houston, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a PhD in Psychology.

Carl had an enthusiastic and gregarious personality. He made friends wherever he went and was always kind and generous. Carl was a talented storyteller, and his great passion was sharing special moments with children as Santa for 30 years at the NorthPark Mall in Dallas. Carl touched countless lives over his years at NorthPark and became a treasured member of many annual family traditions. Carl also spent many years as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas, instructing numerous students and future counselors. Most of all, Carl loved his family, friends, and his dog, Widget.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Bertil and Dorothy Anderson. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Ken Winkelmann, and his niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Kyle Winkelmann.

At a later date, there will be a Celebration of Carl’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carl’s honor to an animal rescue or charity of your choice.

A visitation for Carl will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.