Delano Roger "Del" Anderson

WISCONSIN DELLS - Delano Roger "Del" Anderson, 75, of Wisconsin Dells, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, after a four-month battle with cancer.

Del was born Jan. 18, 1933, in La Crosse to Alex and Minerva Jost Anderson. After graduating from Alma Center High School, he married Avis A. Frank on Sept. 12, 1952, in Humbird.

They moved to West Allis, where Del worked three years for the Allis-Chalmers Co. before starting his farming career. They later divorced. On Dec. 19, 1964, he was united in marriage to Marie A. Manke in Arlington. They farmed in the Poynette/Arlington area until 1973 when they bought a farm near Wisconsin Dells.

Del converted and upgraded this farm to a fully automated hog operation. He was known for the quality "other white meat" he produced and the delicious pig roasts that he and Marie would put on until their retirement in 1993.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially in Alaska and the western U.S. In his retirement years he spent his winters in New Braunfels, Texas, and summers in Anchorage, with spring and fall stopovers in Wisconsin.

He often got the travel bug as he loved to be on the go. He spent most of his retirement years living and traveling with Marie in their camper.

Del was actively involved in 4-H as a child and as an adult. He was a longtime member of the Columbia County Pork Producers and the Lake Mason Lions Club. He was also a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Portage.

He was predeceased in death by his mother (1957), father (1971), and brother Nathan (1991).

Del is survived by his wife, Marie, of Wisconsin Dells, and sons Terry (Betty) of Wisconsin Dells, Jeffrey (Sheila) of Lodi, Patrick (Cindy) of Marshfield, and Harold (Sharin) of Anchor Point, Alaska, and daughters Debra (Jeff) and Barbara (Chuck) of Anchorage. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Stephanie, Nicole, B.J., Austin, Carolyn, Chloe and Tyler, two great-grandchildren, Emily and Zachary, as well as the many friends he made, whether home or traveling. We will all miss that loud, infectious laugh and unforgettable smile. God bless you, Del.

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Del's life at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Portage from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, if you wish, to make a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or your local 4-H club.