Gary Anderson

1942 - 2025

Gary Anderson

August 28, 1942 - October 6, 2025

Gary Anderson, age 83, of Westby, Wisconsin, formerly of Carpenter, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Gary was born on August 28, 1942, in Osage, Iowa, to Harvey and Veronica ("Ronnie") Anderson. He grew up in Carpenter, Iowa, and graduated from Carpenter High School with the Class of 1960. After high school, he attended Winona State University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. Teaching was more than just a job for Gary - it was a calling. He spent most of his career as a beloved business education teacher at Westby High School before finishing his teaching years at Western Technical College in Viroqua. During his time at Westby High, Gary also served as the boys' basketball coach for both JV and Varsity for many years, mentoring countless student-athletes and sharing his love of the game with enthusiasm and dedication.

When Gary moved to Westby, he met Sharon, and together they raised three children, Lisa (Paul) Kabat of Westby, Brian (Melanie) Anderson of Winona, and Sara Anderson of Westby. Though Gary and Sharon later went their separate ways, they continued to share family time and remained a meaningful part of each other's lives.

Gary was a devoted dad, grandpa, brother, and friend. He is survived by his three children and six grandchildren: Tanner, Isabella, Arianna, Madison, Elise, and his beloved grandson Tyler, who preceded him in death in 2022. He is also survived by his siblings, Keith Anderson, Marilyn Anderson, and Patricia Anderson, all of Carpenter, Iowa, and Ann (Dennis) Christensen of Riceville, Iowa, along with niece Kathy LaRue, nephew Kevin (Tracie) Christensen, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Gary had a deep love of golf and enjoyed sharing that passion with his kids and grandkids. In his earlier years, he could often be found biking, running, or staying active outdoors. He cherished family game nights, get-togethers, and his regular breakfast chats with "the boys" at Borgen's. But more than anything, Gary will be remembered for his gentle heart, his easygoing smile, and his constant willingness to help others. His kindness shone through in everything he did - especially in the way he cared for his family, like helping his daughter Sara through her recovery after a serious medical event. Sara knows how much her father did to help her and believes that she never could have done it without him.

Gary was the kind of person who made life better just by being there. He will be remembered as the best dad, grandpa, brother, and friend - someone whose love, humor, and quiet strength left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A prayer service and celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Matt Marshall will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., until the time of the service. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.