Bruce Anderson

In Loving Memory of Bruce P. Anderson

February 13, 1935 - November 14, 2024

Bruce P. Anderson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Chicago, IL on February 13, 1935, to Burt and Dorothy Anderson, Bruce's life was one marked by service, dedication, and a love for those around him.

Bruce was a man of many accomplishments and deep connections, but at his heart, he was defined by the people he loved. He was the beloved husband of Ann Anderson (who predeceased him in 2010), and together they shared a lifetime of memories. Bruce and Ann met while attending Ripon College, and after graduating, they were married in August 1957. Their partnership was built on love, respect, and a shared sense of adventure. Bruce & Ann began their Florida experience in 1976 and became Florida residents in 2000. With their move to Bonita Bay, they found lasting friendships in addition to the life-long wonderful friends from Illinois, many of whom also moved to Florida. Over the years, Bruce had adventures as a pilot of both airplanes and boats. The Drummer cruise from Lake Michigan, down the Mississippi, across the Gulf of Mexico, and up the Eastern Seaboard was one of Bruce's favorite boating exploits.

After Ann's passing, Bruce found a new companion in life's journey with his loving partner, Judy Yohe, who brought him joy and happiness. Bruce and Judy loved to travel and enjoyed wonderful trips together.

Bruce was a proud graduate of Ripon College, where he was active in ROTC. After graduation, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in El Paso, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Arlington Heights, Illinois. His military service shaped much of his character, instilling discipline, leadership, and an appreciation for camaraderie. After completing his service, Bruce earned an MBA from Indiana University, furthering his ability to lead with knowledge and integrity.

Bruce spent 38 years in the electronics components industry running a successful manufacturers' representative firm. Over his remarkable career, he earned a reputation as an industry leader, respected by peers for his expertise, work ethic, and the relationships he fostered. But beyond his professional success, Bruce's sharp wit and storytelling skills made him a cherished companion. His Ole & Lena jokes and humorous anecdotes were legendary, and he found great joy in sharing them with anyone willing (or unwilling) to listen.

Bruce gave his time to both industry and service organizations. He was active in the Electronic Representatives Association, Representatives Management Association, Manufacturers Representative Education Research Foundation, Habit for Humanity, and many other volunteer boards and organizations. Bruce was deeply involved in the friendships he built over the years, the Park Ridge group, in particular, held a special place in his heart. Bruce also had a lifelong love for Dairymen's Country Club, where several generations of Andersons created lasting memories. There, among the people and the surroundings he loved, Bruce found peace and joy in the company of family and friends. Bruce's quick wit, generosity, and ability to make others feel at ease will be missed by all who knew him.

Bruce received his diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia on October 29th and, after much consideration, decided against treatment. He sat down and wrote to his family, ending his letter saying, "I have had a wonderful life, and a large part of it is having you as my son and grandchildren.". He is survived by his son, Craig, (his son, David, predeceased him in 2015), David's wife, Tami, Craig's three sons, Brett (Nikki), Michael (April), Matthew (Shelby), David & Tami's four children, Jeremy (Briana), Jensen (Luke), Josh, Jia, and his four great-grandchildren Jack, Ava, Cam, and Leah. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Karen), a niece and two nephews, and his partner Judy Yohe. His wife, Ann, and his parents, Burt and Dorothy, predeceased him.

Bruce's legacy of kindness, love, and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held on Saturday, December 14th at Bentley Village in Naples, FL, and Saturday, January 25th at Barrington Hills Country Club in Barrington Hills, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bruce's name may be made to Northwest Community Hospital's NCH Foundation at https://www.nch.org/foundation/.