At the age of 93, Carl Anderson, Jr. died at home on November 6, 2015 in Helena, Montana. Sons, Paul and Lee, and their families were with him as he boarded his final flight.
Carl was a first generation American. His parents, Carl and Emma Anderson, were part of the generation of the great Scandinavian migration to our northern states, settling in North Dakota where in Velva on January 1, 1922 Carl, Jr. was born. During his school years, Carl and his family lived in Kenmare, North Dakota. After finishing high school, Carl followed his older sister to Missoula to attend Montana State University. He interrupted college to answer his country’s call in WWII. Carl earned his wings as an Army Aviator He served as a flight instructor in WWII and flew combat missions in the Korean War and was a command pilot for the Strategic Air Command.
While in Missoula, Carl married Jean Holzknecht with whom he had four sons, Gary (deceased) (Connie deceased); Paul (Donna) of Helena; Lee (Christal) of Helena; and Kasey (deceased) (Terri of Great Falls). After 53 years of marriage, Jean died in 2004. Carl never remarried but found love and comfort in the companionship of his dearest friend Phyllis Garrison.
Carl was a reserved and courteous man who always dressed impeccably. He valued good manners, hard work and the proper use of English. Spanish was his second language. His library was extensive. Reading and continuing education were constant in his life.
Carl had a great love of music. He could play almost any instrument, including strings, piano, drums and horns. For several years, he played in Ray Thrailkill’s band in numerous venues in Western Montana during the 1960s and 70s. He was also known for his talented singing voice.
As a younger man he hunted big game, and would fish the moving waters, but his interest in “taking” faded over time. He loved the outdoors and rural life. He and Jean lived a peaceful life in their home on the banks of the Clark Fork River a few miles upstream from Missoula. Following Jean’s death, Carl moved to Helena to be near his sons.
Carl was very athletic. He loved to play tennis, which he did until he was in his 80s. After age ground him, and he could no longer “hit”, he never missed a major tennis event on TV.
He had an incredibly fertile mind, and loved to take on new challenges. He built an experimental airplane, a camper, various boats, a gas-fired ceramic oven and an entire new fiber glass body for his motor home. He saw things a bit differently than most, and was always willing to do whatever he wanted in spite of the doubters and naysayers. Yes, the plane flew with him at the controls, the boats floated, the ceramics properly fired, and the fiber glass works were of professional quality.
Politically, he was a centralist Democrat and strong union supporter. Religiously, pretty much an agnostic. He was a private person, a good citizen, and was proud of his military service. He faithfully supported his family, paid his taxes, was a good neighbor, a loving husband and supportive father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He said that he came from obscurity and would return to obscurity, and so it has come to pass.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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