Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas E. Anderson
1945 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Thomas Anderson Obituary
Born: December 26, 1945
Died: December 10, 2025
Thomas E. Anderson, 79, of Sterling, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.
He was born on December 26, 1945, in Osage, IA, the son of Edmund and Agnes (Wagner) Anderson. Tom earned his bachelor's degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and his master's degree in Physics from the University of Illinois. He married the former Judy Mehl on December 26, 1970, in Rock Island, IL. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2012.
Tom had a lifelong passion for building and creating. He constructed the family home and spent many hours building an airplane-an ambitious project that, though never finished, reflected his love of learning and tinkering.
He was an educator for more than 30 years at Rock Falls High School. After retiring from the classroom, he continued to share his love of teaching through online math courses for the University of Illinois and the Illinois Virtual High School. Tom also worked as a consultant in math education for the Department of Defense, the National Repository of Online Courses, and the Monterey Institute for Technology and Education. In his retirement, he enjoyed baking and cooking, often experimenting with new methods and ingredients. Tom was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling.
Survivors include his daughter: Jodi (Michael Hall) Anderson and Beth (Bernie Pudvah) Anderson; his grandson, Bernard Pudvah; his sisters: Mary (Mark) Hittner of NC, Doris (Jerry) Gacke of NE and Jane (Steve) Dratz of CO; his brothers: Robert (Ruth) Anderson of CO and Joe (Barbara) Anderson of IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 AM with Reverend Thomas Doyle officiating. Private burial will take place in Dubuque, IA. Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to support free education may be made to Khan Academy at http://donate.khanacademy.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Thomas Anderson
Funeral services provided by:
McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling505 1st Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Anderson
Sponsored by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling.
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Thomas Anderson's name
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Anderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
