Obituary of Verdal Elmer Anderson

Verdal Elmer Anderson

Mr. Verdal Anderson’s eye was on Jesus as he left behind this world and was received into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday the 5^th of June, 2020.

  He was born March 10, 1930, in Pine Creek, WI to Elmer and Myrtle (Bue) Anderson.

He attended Taylor High School, as a young man until he signed up for military service. 

Verdal was a star member of the basketball team.

He married the love of his life, Hilma (Christy) Irene Christianson on July 7, 1951 at Blair Lutheran Church.  Verdal was of Norwegian descent and an active member of East Koshkonong Lutheran Church.  He served in various capacities during his lifetime

He trained at Patton Field Aircraft Mechanic School, Drew, Japan for Airplane Engine Mechanic.   He was transferred to Camp Carson ARPC Denver CO with an Honourable Armed Forces separation on May 9, 1952.  He received Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal W/3 Bronze Campaign Stars; United Nations Service Medal; and Air Medal W/3 Clusters decorations.

After service he answered a newspaper ad for a farm hand at Nob Hill Farm in Fort Atkinson, which he later bought and it became the family homestead.

He was employed by the Air National Guard of Wisconsin Truax Field, Madison WI as Airplane Engine Mechanic, flight line crew chief and a member of the Air Force Reserves.   He received special recognition awards for his “inventions” that contributed to the improvement of jet ejection seats.  He received decorations, medals, badges and commendations.  He received National Defense Service Medal, Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Outstanding Unit Award, AF Commendation Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.    Simultaneously he enjoyed working the homestead farm raising kids, hogs, and field crops.

Upon retiring from military life, he was employed by Kundert Enterprises of Fort Atkinson, Wi. as a mechanic of farm equipment.  He had a great time driving tractors, planting and harvesting corn for more than twelve years.      

He enjoyed Thanksgiving with family, deer hunting, fishing, Dancing and listening to old time polka music, Biblical Prophecy and homemade jams.  Jesus was his portion and his prayer bank overflowed.  He loved and adored his grandchildren.

Verdal is survived by his children, Vione (Tim) Lightfield of East Troy, Jody Anderson of New Zealand, Kevin (Lynn) Anderson of Fort Atkinson, Kirk Anderson of Fort Atkinson and Nedra (Jim) Lemke of Fort Atkinson; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister Judy Hulett.   

Verdal was preceded in death by his wife (Christy) whom he dearly loved for 68 years, his parents; twin siblings Diane Johnson and Duane Anderson; and beloved grandson, Patrick Scott Anderson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI with Pastor Brenda Lovick officiating.  Graveside services with Military Rites will be at 3PM in the East Koshkonong Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Christiana, WI.

Visitation will be from 1-2PM on Friday at the Nitardy Funeral Home until the time of the services. The family is requesting that guests attending services bring and wear their own masks.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com