Henry Anderson

Madison - Henry Allen Anderson, 91, in the presence of the Lord Jesus and surrounded by his loving family died late Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Madison. A later-in-life transplant to Madison, who was devoted to his family and shaped by his relationship with the Lord, Henry loved living in the present while cognizant and valuing the memories, experiences, and lessons of the past.
Henry's wit, integrity, and wide-range of interests were hallmarks of his life well-lived. He was proudest of his family, opportunities to serve at church, his career with 3M in Washington, DC, and earning at age 77 his Bachelor of Arts in History from UW-Madison. As the oldest student in a degree program for the class of 1998, Henry and his wife Joy along with family celebrated grandly at his graduation. Henry delighted in responding to fellow undergrads who admonished his presence in the student section, "Oh yes I am a student," and showing his student ID picture, white hair, goatee, and all.
A Coast Guard WWII veteran, Henry was thrilled to participate in the October 2011 Badger Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He was an active and loved member of High Point Church; and an avid volunteer at Oakwood Village University Woods, with Madison public schools, with UW-Madison international students, and for several years participated in a panel discussion training event with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
A lifelong learner, Henry read broadly enjoying history, biographies, Christian classics, and the Bible. He and Joy cherished each other and prayed together daily for others. Henry favored quiet generosity--giving behind the scenes. Together Henry and Joy loved dancing, attending Badger and Brewers games, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events, visiting the sick and bereaved. They traveled extensively over their nearly 25 years of marriage.
In addition to his loving and beloved wife Joy, Henry is survived by his daughter Judith of Richmond, VA; and son, Roger (Jennifer) of Madison: his grandchildren Kelly (Eric) Ayala of Madison, Whitney of Arlington, VA, and Christopher of Madison; great-grandchildren Aurelio and Noelia Ayala of Madison; "adopted family-in-love" Catherine and John Ware, Indiana; Jennifer, Matt, and Jacob Gentry, California; Christina, Christopher, Evan, Aaron, and Isaac Gulley, Oklahoma; brother John (Christine) of Pennsylvania, and nieces and nephews.
Henry, a native of New Jersey, was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 1984; a sister, Jane Sheetz; and his parents John and Agnes Jane.
Memorial gifts, designated in memory of Henry Anderson, can be made to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707-7895.
There will be a Funeral Service for Henry on Mon. Jan. 23, 2012 at 10:30 a. m. at OAKWOOD VILLAGE UNIVERSITY WOODS CAMPUS, Auditorium, 6209 Mineral Point Road, with Chaplains Byron Bunge and Gwen Brandfass presiding. There will be a visitation from 9:45 until 10:15 a. m. prior to the service.
There will also be a Visitation for family and friends on Sun. Jan 22, 2012 from 3:00 until 6:00 p. m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave.