John Roland Anderson

1947 - 2025

John Roland Anderson

1947 - 2025

Holladay, UT-John Roland Anderson, 78, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on December 7, 2025, after a battle with Parkinson's disease. John was born February 18, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, the oldest of two children born to Gerald William Anderson and Ida Lee Jensen.

John graduated from the University of Utah, earning an MBA, where he was valedictorian of his class. He loved the U and could always be found cheering on the Utes as a longtime member of the Crimson Club and The University of Utah National Advisory Council.

John married Karen Johnson on January 11, 1966, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. The two spent almost 60 years together, traveling the world and raising their large family. They spent many summers with their children and friends in Lake Powell and their cabin near Oakley. John loved Hawaii. For over 20 years, he and Karen spent winters at their home on Maui.

John had a lifelong passion for golf. Affectionately known as "Geez" to his friends on the course, he loved to travel and play courses all over the world, but he particularly loved playing with his friends at the Salt Lake County Club and with the Ace-Holers in Wailea, Hawaii.

John was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many roles over the years. He was also passionate about charity work as a member of the Honorary Colonels and serving on the board of the Westridge Academy. He served as president of the Ida Lee Anderson Charitable Trust and the Anderson Hatch Foundation, in addition to encouraging his children to be passionate about always giving to others.

He was always surrounded by his large, loving family. John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Karen, sister Carol Hatch, and eight children: Keith (Karen) Anderson, M'Lisa (Matt) Steiner, Jeni (Stewart) McNaught, Jodi (Quentin) Stapp, Matt (Loren) Anderson, Kristin (Jason) DeHerrera, Zachary (Katie) Anderson, and Kasey (Nick) Desroches, 28 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

A private funeral will be held for the family at Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary on Thursday, December 11, with a Celebration of Life to be held later in the Spring. More details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Maui or Utah Food Banks.