Edwin R. Anderson

Edwin R. Anderson, age 82, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at his home in Clinton Township. He was born April 14, 1933 in East Tawas, Michigan to the late Edwin Arthur Anderson and the late Luella (nee: Gackstetter) Anderson.Born and raised in the beauty of East Tawas, Michigan, that is where Edwin attended high school and proudly graduated as part of the Class of 1951. From there it was off to Central Michigan University where his continuing education found him immersed in the world of social sciences. Eventually, Edwin's dreams and visions of becoming a teacher were supported by his further studies which garnered him a Master's Degree from Wayne State University. In the middle of all this schooling, Edwin's patriotism found him answering the call to serve his country as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army. Entering in 1956 and being separated in 1964, he attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was honorably discharged after 8 years of dedicated and loyal commitment. With thanks & praise from a grateful nation, we honor Edwin for his service to our country, and for stepping up and being willing to stand in harm's way for the furtherance of freedom, and in allegiance to our friends overseas.Amidst that period in his life, Edwin's journey also included a different kind of life-changing experience,…this time an incredibly joyous occasion when he took his blessed Christine to be his wife on June 28, 1958 in sunny Tampa, Florida. The two lovebirds went on to share a wonderful 31 years together building a home, raising a family, and growing deeper in love with each passing day. Sadly, their love story was cut short by Christine's unexpected & untimely passing in 1989.Edwin's return home from military service found him answering a new and exciting call,…this time to capture his dream of teaching, which he did through Michigan's Ithaca School System, and ultimately at Riverview High School where his expertise focused on teaching the finer points of Government, Political Science and History. After school, he was also quite involved with coaching baseball, as well as serving as advisor to many school clubs. In 1986, after a long and rewarding tenure, Edwin accepted his well-deserved retirement. Not content to simply sit around, he decided to engage in a little part-time employment to wile his time as a retiree. Always fascinated by airplanes, he threw his hat into the ring at Detroit's Metropolitan Airport where he took a position as Baggage Handler and Gate Agent. For many-a-flyer over the years, it was Edwin's smile that greeted them as they embarked on their journey to places around the globe,…and he loved every minute of his involvement therein.Though the year 1995 brought some disheartening news with his Parkinson's diagnosis, it was just a couple years later that joy would abound and wedding bells would ring once again,…this time with his beloved Martha whom he promised himself to at Grosse Ile's, St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Ultimately relocating to the Warren area, Edwin & Martha were pleased and blessed to call Hope Lutheran Church home where they've been members since the year 2000. For this man of God and servant of the Lord, Edwin was known for his giving spirit which frequently shone through in the many voluntary gifts he shared. Quite often, his time was spent between the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and at Habitat for Humanity. Possessing an unselfish heart and a desire for the betterment of his fellow man, Edwin gave from the deepest recesses of his being,…never asking for anything in return. Edwin also possessed an eclectic array of pastimes and favorite things to do. From the memorable camping trips, to a rousing game of Pinochle, to tickling his traveling bone, to catching a meal out on the town, or getting some exercise by walking or biking,…there was going to be no moss growing under this guys' feet. Yet without a doubt, the most treasured pastimes in Edwin's life were those precious times spent with his grandchildren,…the apple's of his eye, for sure! The early years found him eating up every opportunity to babysit his cherubs. As they grew older, he just couldn't get enough of watching them participate in their respective sporting events. Just being in their company brought out the softie in him,…and made him the endearing Grandpa he was to each of them.Edwin was a gentle, peaceful soul who possessed a great sense of humor and was always there to bring a smile. He touched a multitude of hearts and lives along the way, and left an impact wherever he went. He leaves a storehouse of cherished memories for all to embrace who were blessed to know him and be loved by him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. He was the beloved husband of Martha, and formerly of the late Christine. Dear father of Allison (Ron) Schmit, Erik (Theresa), and Darrell (Jean). Loving grandfather of Erika (Joe) Digirolamo, Zachary, Christine, Paige, Nolan, Maria, James, and Abigail. Great grandfather of Coriella. Brother of William (Joyce), the late Michael, and brother in law of Kathy Anderson. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. The family will receive friends on Saturday at 10:30 am until the time of his Memorial Service at Hope Lutheran Church in Warren at 11:00am. Memorial donations are appreciated to Parkinson's Foundation or Hope Lutheran Church. Please share memories at above at this guest book.