Gerald Lee Anderson, age 85, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025. He was born November 26, 1940 to Oscar and Eva (Nelson) Anderson in Rockford, Illinois. Gerald graduated from Harlem High School in 1958 and has been a proud member of the alumni association since. He married the love of his life, Judith Lines, on March 31, 1962. He has worked for Anderson Rentals for over 50 years, providing affordable housing to the Rockford area. He worked at Rockford Nehi Bottling Company for 30 years and held the position of number one salesman in the United States multiple times. Gerald is a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was very involved in the community as a member of the Park-er-Woods Community Association.
Gerald was a kind, generous man who provided housing for dozens of families over the span of more than 50 years. He enjoyed going up north to his cabin. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and especially driving the boat while the kids were tubing or waterskiing. He and Judi traveled the country after he retired, going to their cabin up north and on cruises. He liked NASCAR and golf. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith Anderson; children, Sheryl (Ed) Johns, Dessa Anderson, Shellie (Mark) Haddad, and Shane (Pamela) Anderson; grandchildren, Hillari (Eric) Schindler, Emily (Steve) Nelson, Megan (Jeff) Wentland-Farr, Harrison (Kate) Wentland, Adrian Wentland, Alexis (Chris) Schuster, Lindsay (Matthew) Humphries, Caitlin (Jake Notter) Anderson, and Noah (Bailie Hart) Anderson; eighteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Alice Anderson, Janice Gallagher, and Penny (Everett) Pfile; cousin, Dean (Tima) Anderson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Eva Anderson; brothers, Henry Anderson and Donald Anderson; nieces, Deborah Holden, Janelle Baker, and Joanie Clements; sisters-in-law, Esther Anderson, and Anne Anderson; brother-in-law, Pat Gallagher; and former son-in-law, Joe Wentland.
A memorial visitation for Gerald will be held on Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 with a service to follow at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lifescape Community Services or Noah’s Ark.
