John F. "Jack" Anderson

John F. (Jack) Anderson, 80, of Wausau, WI completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Born in Crandon, WI on Nov. 5, 1944, son of Leslie Anderson and Ruth Cline Anderson (Duranceau). He grew up in the Wausau area, attended Marshall Hill, Saint James, and Wausau Jr. & Sr. High schools, graduating in 1962. On December 14, 1963 he married his best friend Nancy (Wiesner) Anderson. Together they raised five children, provided temporary foster care to eight infants and toddlers, and always welcomed their children's friends into their home.
John spent 32 years as a Sears service technician, followed by 26 years as a maintenance manager for Courtyard by Marriott in Wausau. He and Nancy co-owned the Sears Merchant Store in Antigo, WI from 1986 to 1993. John had an amazing technical talent, and the ability to visualize and understand how many things worked just by looking at them. He was a mentor for many, and helped many people learn and grow in their careers. Even at home, he never saw anything broken that he wasn't compelled to repair. His garage and workshop were his "happy place." He loved music, and played guitar in several local bands including Johnny & The Chantels, 3 of a Kind, Knight Hawk, and others. He loved working in the yard & watching backyard wildlife. He cherished time spent with family, gathering for Packer games, listening to Bob Uecker call a Brewers game, summer cookouts, birthdays and holiday gatherings.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Anderson, son Brian (Christine Eisele) of Madison, daughter Jennifer (Leonard) Olbrantz of Wausau, son Jason (Roxanne) of Chippewa Falls, daughter Patricia (Kenneth) McGovern of Wausau, and honorary "son" Cameron Saylor of Weston, eight grandchildren, Casey (Kimberly Heessels) Olbrantz, Christina (Kyle) McNeilis, Olivia (Jacob Schellpfeffer) McGovern, Jack McGovern, Oscar Anderson, Martha Anderson, Josephine Anderson, Alexander Anderson, and two great grandsons, Everett McNeilis and Callan McNeilis, and many nieces and nephews.
Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church will be holding services on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Private family burial to immediately follow.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com