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Thomas Anderson Obituary
March 25, 1948 - January 7, 2025
Thomas [Tom] Elmer Anderson, son of Norm and Dorothy [Greimann] Anderson, was born March 25, 1948, in Mason City and passed away surrounded by his family on January 7, 2025 in Tempe, AZ. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. Tom graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree of Biology. During his time at NAU he played football and was named an All-American. Professionally, he worked for both the CDC and the NIH as a medical researcher. After tragically losing his daughter Emily to cancer, Tom worked to help sick children and their families navigate this difficult journey. He co-founded "The Emily Center" at Phoenix Children's Hospital to serve as a resource for the community. Tom had a profound love for the outdoors. His hobbies included gardening, raising birds, fishing and hunting. His sense of humor was legendary. A family man at heart, Tom was married to his wife, Kathy, for 53 years. He was a loving father to his children, Eric [Anna], Karis [Rolan], Justin [Desiree] and Mark [Kelsey]. He adored his grandchildren Lauren, Riley, Micah, Kallie, Ivor and Madison. His daughters, Alison [1975-1976] and Emily [1979-1986] proceeded him in death. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "The Emily Center" at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Anderson
2 Entries
Steve Duea
January 27, 2025
Tom was my high school friend and football teammate! Great guy and football player! We shared many victories as a Ventura Viking! We lost only one game when we played together! For the last few years he would call every year to check in and relive old high school stories. I´ll miss these calls but will always remember the good times together. RIP Tom! The world is a better place because you were there!
Steve Blair
January 22, 2025
Tom was a great athlete to begin with. We met in 1971 working for CDC labs in Phoenix. He taught me the ropes in that new job. We hunted and fished together and his sense of humor and ability to turn a tense moment into one of uproarious laughter was LEGENDARY. What a guy! A leader!! Gone too soon. We will all miss you Tom.
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