Claude Anderson

CLAUDE 'VAN' ANDERSON, 84 ROCKFORD - Claude "Van" Anderson, 84, of Rockford died at 2:05 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, in Anam Care Assisted Living. Born June 28, 1927, in Sullivan; the son of Claude and Susie (Locey) Anderson. He married Lillie Rude on June 28, 1991, in Rockford. Graduate of Sullivan High School, where he played football, basketball and golf; and the University of Illinois, where he had significant success in basketball as a four-year letterman and played in a NCAA championship game. Served in the U.S. Army, playing on the U.S. Army basketball team to entertain the troops. After college and his army career, Van continued to play basketball, leading the Court Street United Methodist team to a city championship. He received a congressional appointment to West Point, unfortunately he was disqualified due to being colorblind. Over the years this was often apparent in his choice of clothing colors. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Van was offered a professional basketball contract with the Sheboygan Redskins, which he turned down in favor of beginning his career and raising his young family. Van began his career at Illinois National Bank, which became Amcore Bank, where he rose to the position of senior vice-president while providing significant leadership to the community. Van's many achievements include: 1958 Rockford Outstanding Young Man of the Year, chairman of Rockford Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, president of Rockford Chamber of Commerce, and president of Rockford Junior Achievement. Member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, the Masons, and Kiwanis Club. In addition to basketball, Van was also an outstanding golfer his entire life. He won numerous tournaments at Rockford Country Club and in City and County Men's and Senior Men's tournaments, including winning Rockford Senior Golf Champion three years in a row. Van also enjoyed shooting and hunting with his father and friends from the time he was a boy. He won numerous sporting clay contests in Rockford. Survived by wife, Lillie; children, Annette (Guy) Hinton of Gainesville, Ga., Mark (Cindy) Anderson of Wilmette and Jon (Liz) Anderson of Rockford; stepchildren, Patrick (Tricia) Rude of Stillwater, Minn., and Scott ( Stacie) Rude of Rockford; grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, Adam, Olivia, Jamison, Jerrod, Alexandra, Samuel and Caleb; and great-grandchild, Matthew. Predeceased by his first wife, Carol Brunnemeyer, who died in an automobile accident in 1970; and sister, Audrey Taylor. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Anam Care and Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care in the last few months of Van's life. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., with visitation from 9 to 10:45 a.m.; Pastor Dan Herman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford, IL 61104, or the University Club of Rockford Scholarship Fund, 945 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.