Thomas D. Anderson

Thomas Dean Anderson, 86, of Rockford, died Tuesday, February 19, from complications due to lung cancer and diabetes. He leaves us just 4 months to the day after losing his wife, Bonnie, of nearly 61 years. They are deeply missed.

Born on December 7, 1926 in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, he was the son of Thomas and Della (LaTour) Anderson. Eager to set out in the world, after high school, he exaggerated his age and entered the U.S. Navy. He would spend his 18th birthday (Pearl Harbor Day) in the middle of the Pacific.

After the war, Tom returned to school to seek a career in broadcasting. Eventually landing on radio in Beloit, Wisconsin, he announced many sports events and interviewed such notables as Dr. King and a young presidential hopeful from Massachusetts.

From Beloit, Tom and Bonnie moved to Rockford where they raised their 3 sons, Todd, Fritz, and Daniel. Tom pursued an almost 30 year career in television with WTVO to become the general sales manager. Retired, he enjoyed nothing more than family and friends….

His warmth and integrity never left him.

He leaves behind sons, Todd (Paula), Fritz (Kel), and Dan (Sally); granddaughters, Holly, Bridget, and Vivian.

He was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie Lou; infant son, parents, and a brother, Dan.

Memorial Service, 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, at the Unitarian Church, 4848 Turner Street, Rockford. Memorials can be made to VNA Hospice, so that someone else may benefit from such care. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com