John Walter Anderson, Jr.

John Walter Anderson, Jr., our loving father, "Papa," and great-grandfather, passed away shortly before his 90th birthday, surrounded by his family.  He was joyfully reunited with the love of his life, his wife, Lois, and our loving mother, who passed away last December.  We will greatly miss our dad's wisdom, quick witted sense of humor, and unconditional Christ-like love.

John was born in Eureka, Utah, to John Walter and Manila Norman Anderson.  He was the youngest of three children.  His family moved to Bingham Canyon when he was a young boy.  John excelled while at Bingham High School, being elected Student Body Secretary and Historian, Editor of the school newspaper and yearbook.  At the age of 16, John graduated as Salutatorian for his class and received the Jr. Chamber of Commerce Award as Outstanding Graduate.  He began attending the University of Utah on a four-year engineering scholarship.  During that time, he was drafted into the Army and served at Ft. Douglas.  Following his honorable service, he graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Mining Engineering.  After completing graduate work at the University, he received the Newell Scholarship and attended Stanford University where he earned his M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering.  He worked as an engineer for U.S. Smelting Company and then spent the majority of his career with Varian Associates as Senior Industrial Engineer.

John married his sweetheart, Lois Eleanor Nuttall, in the Salt Lake Temple on July 1, 1954, and last year celebrated 60 wonderful years together.  They were blessed with four children who were their top priority.  They raised their family in a beautiful home in East Millcreek.  Quality family time meant everything to them---Sunday dinner gatherings, Family Home Evenings, yearly family vacations, and frequent outings at the family cabin in Midway. They nurtured, taught, and loved by their example and faithful service.   In addition to their children, grandchildren were their delight!  They loved having them visit often, including sleepovers, playing games, bedtime stories, listening to Grandpa play the harmonica, and delicious breakfasts.  Dad and Mom showed their love and support by attending musical, school, and sporting activities.  They were always their grandchildren's biggest fans!  In their later years, they enjoyed many memorable trips with family and friends.

John was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life.  His love for the Savior was reflected in the way he genuinely cared for and served others.  He held many church positions, including Cub Master, Stake High Councilor, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Bishopric Counselor, and Bishop.  Dad also served with mother as Stake Missionaries and cherished their many visits with others.  He provided active community service with the Sons of Utah Pioneers as Mills Chapter President, National SUP Vice-President and National President.  He worked as Publisher and Senior Advisor of the SUP's Pioneer Magazine.

John is survived by his children, Susan (George) Mathis, Brent (Wendy) Anderson, Jodie (Larry) Crowder, and Julie (Doug) Dredge; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Jensen.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister, Lucille Robertson.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17 at 11:00 am at the East Millcreek 9th Ward, 3750 South Hillside Lane (2600 E).  A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the 9th Ward from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services on Monday.  Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive. Online guestbook to post messages and tributes for the family is available at www.HolbrookMortuary.com

The family would like to thank the loving care providers at Rocky Mountain Care Hunter Hollow, Brighton Home Health & Hospice, and Legacy House of Taylorsville.  Special thanks is extended to the East Millcreek 9th Ward members for their many years of friendship and love.