Axel William Anderson M.D. III

1929 - 2021

Winter Park- A doctor to hundreds, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and friend to all- went home to his heavenly father, Jesus Christ, on October 11, 2021. He was 92.

Born in Olean, New York, on September 29, 1929 to Axel William and Mabel Foster Anderson. He was the oldest of five, and took on responsibility early in life, working in his father's grocery store. During his first attempt to join the Armed Forces at age sixteen, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and was sent to a sanitarium for two years, where he was one of a few survivors. It was there that he developed a strong sense of empathy and the desire to become a doctor. He worked his way through St. Bonaventure at a furniture factory and went on to graduate in 1953.

He received his M.D. degree from University of Buffalo in 1957. While in medical school, he met and married Joanna, a nurse in training. His first son, Axel IV was born in Buffalo. He served as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the Navy in Virginia, where his second son, Michael was born. He then completed his internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. He completed a three year Residency in Internal Medicine at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, Florida in 1963. He then completed his formal education at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, in Hematology-Oncology.

He then returned to Orlando and was in Private Practice with Dr. James Cook from 1963 until 1975. He then started Hematology Oncology Associates of Central Florida, which eventually merged with MD Anderson Cancer Center to become one of the premier cancer treatment centers in the area. Despite the large and growing nature of his medical practice, he always focused on the individual. His days consisted of early morning rounds on his hospitalized patients, office appointments, followed by early evening rounds again in the hospital. His appointments were numerous; some of them included Assistant Professor at University of Florida; Delegate, Florida Medical Association; Chief Internal Medicine and Chief of Staff, Orlando Regional Medical Center 1981-1983.

He was an avid golfer, and later developed into an artist. He loved painting pictures and giving them as gifts. Many of his paintings are in the homes of friends and family.

Axel's greatest priority was his family. He was always encouraging his children and grandchildren to live life to the fullest. The example he set inspired both of his sons to become doctors. The love of Axel's life was his wife, Joanna Ellen Wilber. They were married for 65 years, and shared everyday together.

Axel is survived by his loving wife, Joanna, his children, Axel Anderson IV (Sharon) of Winter Park, FL, and Michael Anderson (Temple) of Windermere, FL, grandchildren Axel Anderson V (Emily) of Brooklyn, NY, Tyler Anderson (Alice) of Winter Park, Brendan Anderson (Lauren) of Winter Park, FL, Erika Beerbower (Nolan) of Maitland, FL, Warren Anderson (Alora) of Orlando, FL, Samantha Anderson of Windermere, FL, and Olivia Anderson of Windermere, FL, and 3 great grandchildren

Brothers Jack and David, sisters Cynthia and Sue (deceased), and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Private Service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Axel Anderson's memory to: St. Margaret Mary Church, 526 North Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. "Haiti Ministry".

Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland. Visit www.degusipe.com to leave a message of condolence to the family.