Kenneth W. Anderson

Kenneth Warren Anderson died May 2, 2024. He was 87 years old. Ken was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 28, 1937, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Anderson (nee Bonardi) married May 28, 1960, and by his children: Tracey (the late Tim Tavalire), Stephen (Holly) and Jeffrey (Karin), and his grandchildren; Erik, Jack, James, Holli Sommerfeld, Aaron (Anne) Tavalire and Hannah (Andrew Astells) Tavalire. Ken was the son of Paul and Julia Anderson, and grandson of August and Marit Anderson, who immigrated from Sweden and Norway in the 1870's to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to find work in the copper mine industry. Ken attended McKenzie High School in Detroit, and Waldorf Lutheran College in Forest City, Iowa where he majored in Business, and played on both the baseball and football teams. Growing up Ken attended St. Olaf's Lutheran Church in Detroit with his parents and family. Ken enlisted and served in the Michigan National Guard from 1960 to 1962 and was assigned as a mechanic and truck driver at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Ken's first employment was at a Speedway gas station where he found his love of cars and met his future bride. His professional career began at the forefront of the computer industry, first working the night shift at Allstate as a mainframe computer operator utilizing punch cards, then at American Standard, and finally at Blue Cross – Blue Shield where he retired as Chief Systems Analyst in 1988. Ken went on to start several automotive service businesses where he worked alongside his sons, then sold mortgages in the hot housing market that existed at the time of the late 1990's. During his time at Allstate, Ken became active as a Junior Achievement Advisor, assisting young people learn about business. This was the start of many years of volunteering.
Ken followed his wife's family joining a Slovenian fraternal group, the SNPJ (Slovene National Benefit Society), where he found a lifetime of involvement. There he participated in baseball, bowling and golf leagues and traveled to many regional and national tournaments and events, making friendships across the country. Ken quickly took on leadership positions within the local lodge and federation; running youth bowling, chairing tournaments, organizing group outings to Tiger and Piston games, and getting others involved. He was president/founder of the Detroit Athletic League and originator of Detroit Week at the SNPJ Recreation Center. Ken served on the SNPJ National Board and as Regional Athletic Director for many years and was honored for serving 50 years as the Wolverine Lodge President in 2021. He also served on the board of the Michigan Fraternal Alliance for many years.
He coached his son's baseball teams, served as President of Birmingham Little League alongside local Red Wing great Gordie Howe and Tiger great Al Kaline, and helped spearhead the naming of the next league for 13 and 14-year-olds from Babe Ruth to the new Al Kaline League; their team, the Yankees, won the first year's inaugural championship.
Ken was respected and honored numerous times over the years for his enduring service. He was always there when someone asked and never complained. He loved spending time with his wife and family at the SNPJ Campsite in Pennsylvania and their cottage in Northern Michigan. Ken was loved by his friends and family and will be deeply missed. He left this life surrounded by family and love.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads) Friday, May 10th, 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Zion Church, 143 Albany, Ferndale, Saturday, May 11th at 11am.
Memorials may be made to SNPJ Cabin Restoration Fund, 247 W. Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 or charity of donor's choice.