Vern Anderson, formerly of Coopersville, MI and Hartford, CT passed away on September 14 at the age of 89. The third of seven children, he was born in Marne, MI on May 31, 1929 to George and Mary Anderson.
Vern served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and fought on the front lines. He then attended Upper Peninsula Forestry School, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He worked as a Soil Conservationist in Adrian, MI and headed the Hartford County, Connecticut, Federal Soil Conservation Service Office until his retirement. He was a skier and hiker, traveling to many places in Europe, South America, Iceland, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Retiring at 56, he returned to Michigan and settled in Traverse City. Here he began his long-distance hiking trips: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, both islands of New Zealand, Iceland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France. He was an avid reader and collector of books, stamps and coins. In the past few months he wrote his memoirs. He liked to stay busy and used every moment of the day. He was a true gentleman of the old school, generous and loving with family, friends and strangers.
Vern is survived by three sisters, Lucy (Lee) Marshall, Roberta (Ace) Elliott, and Teresa (Bob) Smith; many nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Fred, George, and Jerome (Andy).
We his loving family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Munson Hospice and the Villa. Cremation has taken place.
Arrangements are entrusted to Covell Funeral Home Traverse City.
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