Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson, a lifelong resident of Eagle River, WI, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, his 87th birthday.
Gary was born in Rhinelander, WI, in 1938, to Edwin and Helen (Storm) Anderson. After graduating from Eagle River High School in 1956, Gary served in the US Air Force from 1957-1961.
Following his service, he returned to Eagle River and worked as a salesman at Lakeland Motors for about 40 years. He married his wife, Pat Kiley, on June 15, 2024, after being together since 1981.
Gary was well known throughout the community and that is in no doubt due to the time and energy he gave to it. In addition to organizing class reunions, he also organized S.I.T. Golf Tournaments, and Backtracker Crappie and Sucker Tournaments. He was a member and officer of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Many can remember a time enjoying one of his homemade Garabaldi Pizzas while hearing jokes and swapping stories. The donations he requested during these pizza parties were donated to Relay for Life and other local charities.
It’s tough to think of a more avid Packers and Badgers fan than Gary and he always enjoyed attending games. In the quieter parts of his life, he carved wooden ducks, collected coins, and passed the time fishing for bluegill from a canoe with his wife, Pat.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Helen Anderson; son, Todd Anderson; daughter, Lisa Adams; brother, Ed Anderson; sister, Joyce Osborne and grandson; Nathaniel Olkowski.
Gary is survived by his wife, Pat Kiley of Eagle River; step-children, Kathy (Mark) Holperin, of Eagle River, Mike (Kim) Olkowski of Eagle River, Karen (Bill) Parus of Stuart, FL; grandchildren, Jacob (Kayleigh) Adams of Rhinelander, Lindsey Adams of Wausau, WI, Tim (Melissa) Holperin of Bloomington, MN, Dan (Emma) Holperin of St. Paul, MN, Tess (Rocky) Ligocki of Madison, WI, and Aidan Olkowski of Eagle River, and great-grandchildren, Declan, Abby, Harper, Nora, Maeve, Belle, Zaelyn and Alec.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday September 24, 2025, at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memorials to Warm the Children or the ERRA are appreciated by the family.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com PAID OBITUARY
