In loving memory of

Neal Anderson

April 13, 1982 – October 27, 2015

Lived 33 years

Millburn Cemetery · Old Mill Creek, Illinois

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Life story

Neal, loving father of Jacob, brother of Luke and Cale, and son of David and Terese Anderson: a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews, a friend whose friends became family, a bright soul. He loved experimenting in the kitchen and was known for his stick to your ribs kind of food, including his annual batch of smoked fish often caught in the Kenosha harbor or rivers, which became a family favorite tradition. He was a green thumb: Jacob's first meals were grown in Neal's garden. He loved weird varieties - pink and white carrots, purple and dragon tongue green beans, red corn, purple peppers. He was the most patient man in the garden; it was his zen. He also loved flowers, particularly orchids, and he dried and saved orchid petals. Fishing was LIFE – a passion nothing could compare to. He loved fly fishing and ice fishing and even tied his own flies. He would get so excited for the cold in the winter because it meant ice was coming. He revered trout of all breeds. He wrote a blog about fishing in WI/IL rivers and lakes, sharing his passion with other anglers. Fishing was also the thread that bound his many family members and friends who joined in his love for the sport. Neal loved camping, and considered himself an expert. He would break out his mullet wig for camping, or for fun at home when having a bonfire, turning into Mullet Mike. He would enter into many different characters, nailing various accents and turning a room upside-down with laughter at his antics. Bonfires were a place to connect with people, not on Facebook or the internet. He was also a prankster like none other, well known at the office for his antics. He danced like a goofball to music, doing the “reel the fish” move and “frame the face" move. A lover of laughter, family, friends, and life, he always brought the fun and joy. He is deeply missed.

Neal passed away in 2015, leaving us too soon. The family has created a memorial scholarship that benefits high school seniors of Antioch, IL. The scholarship keeps his memory alive in the community and imparts upon the recipients to take time to connect with nature and to make time for loved ones in honor of Neal.

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