Terry Brien Anderson

USMC Sergeant (E-5) Terry Brien Anderson of Genoa, IL clocked out of his final shift after battling cancer on July 11th, 2023, while sleeping peacefully in his home next to his partner of 24 years, Heidi Beckstrom. He was born August 4, 1948, to Donna and Ronald Anderson in Underwood, North Dakota. He was the oldest child and a wonderful brother to Jackie, Gary, Bruce, Barry, Noel and Ronald Anderson.

Following his graduation from South Sioux City High School in 1967, Terry joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Vietnam (where he contracted malaria and took shrapnel to the head which explains a lot), Okinawa Japan for recovery, Camp Lejeune (where he drank toxic water) and Guantanamo Bay. He was not always lean or mean but he was still DAMN proud to be a Marine! After his honorable discharge, he began working in construction and belonged to The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 as an operator of heavy equipment . In retirement he enjoyed watching YouTube videos of excavators and backhoes in action and in his last days he was often seen sitting in his recliner driving that invisible backhoe and asking, "What time do you all take break around here?".

In Terry's final 24 years he found purpose and love in the most stubborn woman, Heidi Beckstrom, and his only regret was that they did not meet sooner. Through many years of adventure, love, sickness, fights, making up, laughter and roadside evacuations, Terry and Heidi became true partners in crime and left a trail of places that they could never again patronize. Through Heidi, Terry gained a family and became a beloved stepfarter to Matthew Beckstrom, Sarah Buki, Daniel Beckstrom and Heather Ratnani and grandfarter to Liam, Tristan, and Stefan Buki and Beckett and Josephine Ratnani. He also formed a strong bond with his son-in-laws and often joked that he was going to adopt Liripa. Although this was never done legally, in their hearts it happened over a decade ago.

Although Terry loved a lot in his life it did extend beyond his love for family. He also had a love for the fast-food drive thru, movie theaters and their popcorn, and great food! He loved his home where in the last year of life he found peace and sanctuary and it also brought him just a little closer to the Packers, whom he was a huge fan of. Terry loved spending time in the garage building anything he could or just tinkering and giving the lawnmower an oil change. Over the years he had many nicknames including Big Fig, Cheese Head, Grandpa Grumpy and Captain Underpants. It was the nickname and role of Grandpa that he was proudest of and brought him the most joy in life. He will forever be found in the hearts of his grandchildren and "he will be missed".

All who knew Terry were blessed to learn many life lessons from him including: Never turn down the opportunity to pull over at a rest stop because there may not be another bathroom for 60 miles. Also, don't ever pass up the opportunity to go to a good restaurant. If the dog can jump on the bed, share it with them. You can never have too many power tools and everyone can learn how to use them. Sometimes "I can wait'' actually means pull over at the next bush. When the beans start working their magic, we all should be loud and proud of the air that comes out. When little boys are learning how to pee, an old tire in the yard, or even the tire on the new truck is good for target practice. Never turn down an opportunity to coordinate the Halloween costumes with your grandkids. Gentle giants do exist, and they know the quickest way to get to "The Lantern". Be happy, kind, and 'someone always has to be the 'Sidewalk Superintendent!'. Always laugh, have a good time and don't just sit around, but get up and do something. Stand up for yourself, even if you have 6 brothers, stand your ground. Through humility you can show what it is to be a true Patriot. When you have the opportunity to have a family, make a conscious choice to do everything for them and cherish the time you have. Finally, be proud of what you do in life and do it well!

He was survived by his partner in crime, Heidi Beckstrom, stepchildren Matthew Beckstrom, Sarah (Liripa) Buki, Daniel (Kimberley) Beckstrom and Heather (Shoaib) Ratnani, grandchildren Liam Buki, Tristan Buki, Stefan Buki, Beckett Ratnani and Josephine Ratnani, siblings Jackie Anderson, Bruce (Margret) Anderson, Barry (Joy) Anderson, Noel (Gena) Anderson, Ronald (Darlys) Anderson, babysitter Madilyn Standard and the tech support team at Dell. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Donna Anderson, son Ronnie Anderson, brother Gary Anderson, and nephew Benjamin Anderson.

Terry will be cremated and his ashes laid to rest in a private ceremony overlooking his beloved shed in Genoa, IL on August 5, 2023, at 10am.