Joe Anderson of Springfield, IL, took the hand of Jesus on January 3, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born July 6, 1934 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Howard and Bee Anderson. Joe grew up on a Missouri farm with 2 brothers and 3 sisters. After his service in the Korean War, Joe graduated from Mizzou with a Masters in Education and went into the family business- “teaching”. For 32 years, he was an elementary school teacher and a Title 1 Math teacher serving at-risk students in Springfield Public Schools. He also coached basketball at Iles Elementary School and followed the progress of many of his former players as they went on to play in high school.
Joe loved sports and excelled in bowling, fishing, and ping pong. He was a fan of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, Illini Basketball, and all of his grandchildren’s teams. He attended a lot of games and concerts and “cheered them on” even if he couldn’t be there in person. His grandchildren made him proud with their various accomplishments including academics, music, creative writing, art, and sewing.
Family was important to Joe. For many years, he traveled to the Ozarks to celebrate a shared heritage with generations of loved ones from across the country. He cherished many special family events lovingly hosted by Joella Meidel, and more recently, he appreciated the outdoor celebrations that included his great-granddaughters when they visited him at Centennial Pointe and Concordia.
Everyone who met Joe noticed his gentle spirit. He exhibited the rare qualities of humility and kindness. He put others ahead of himself and lived a life that demonstrated his faith. Joe was a member of the United Methodist Church in Jerome, Sherman, and Springfield First.
Joe’s older brother, Clay, preceded him in death. His siblings, John Anderson, Martha Galisky, Nancy Story, and Merle Aufill are assured that their “Big Brothers” are saving each of them a spot in heaven.
His children, Karen Bennett (Bert), Kelley Jeffers (Steve), and Kirk Anderson (Heather), are overwhelmed with gratitude that Joe was their “Dad”. His grandchildren, Joe Willis (Ellen), Kristen Willis, Clint Jeffers (Michelle), Cora Herek (Matt), Bo Bennett (Hannah), Payton Jeffers (Tierney), Will Anderson and Lauren Anderson, will be better people because he was their “Grandad”. Seven “great-grandgirls”, Maggie Willis, Elise Willis, Naomi Willis, Addie Jeffers, Ella Herek, Everly Neumann, and Emmy Herek, will be shown many pictures and told many stories. They will continue his Legacy of Love.
A service will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Bisch Funeral Home, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711. Visitation will be from 3:30-5:30 with a service at 5:30 led by Chaplain Jeff Harter. A private family gathering and burial will be in May in Columbia, Missouri.
As a tribute to Joe’s commitment to educating and helping young people, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois, 300 S. 15th St, Spfld, IL 62703.
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