Oscar Anderson

Stoughton-Oscar Anderson, Jr, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2013, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg following a stroke. He formerly resided at Nazareth in Stoughton and Rosewood Apartments. Oscar was born in Stoughton on March 23, 1923, the son of Oscar and Thora (Wicker) Anderson, Sr. Oscar's grandparents were Gullik Isinius Anderson and Maren Johanne Rasmusdatter Riis from Norway. Oscars brother and sister kept in touch with the Aabjornsrod family giving us a great gift of our Norwegian heritage.
Oscar graduated from Stoughton High School in 1941. He married Betty Paine on June 16, 1944. Oscar served as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps of the United States from 1943 to 1945 in the 3010th as an aerial tail gunner on a B-17 in WWII. When he returned to Stoughton, he managed the Cannery in Stoughton. Oscar is most remembered in the community for operating the Citgo filling station on Main Street from 1955 to 1975 when he retired and worked briefly at Brittingham Hixon Lumber.
Oscar and Betty spent many happy years at their home on Lake Kegonsa on Barber Drive. They raised 2 daughters and spent much of their time out boating, fishing, waterskiing, gardening and snowmobiling. Upon retirement they moved to Mercer, WI, only to move back to live in Oregon, WI, as their family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and wanted to be near them. Many vacations were spent traveling the Northwoods and lakes. They spent many summers at Birch Lake in Winchester, WI, where some of the best memories were made. Oscar and Betty also traveled in the winters to Rollin Home Park in Mission, TX.
Oscar always fed the deer and took long walks enjoying nature up north. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He has caught his fair share of northern pike and musky and perch and bluegill always knowing where to line up the boat and wait for that strike teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the artful skill of fishing. As a child, it was in the boat catching the "big one" with grandpa; but to grandpa, it was the time he spent with you sharing conversation and laughter creating memories and stories to be told. Our dad and grandpa was a well-liked, giving, sentimental and kind man. Many people hearing of Oscar's passing have shared their memories of him with us and what wonderful stories they have of him and it was the little things he did that meant a lot. He liked watching the Badger and Packer games and NASCAR. He also loved sitting outdoors, seeing the beautiful starry nights in northern WI, eating at the Koffee Kup and taking car rides. Rarely did you ever see him without a hat, a smile, eating a snack or driving his favorite vehicles an old grey international truck, the Toyota or the pampered caddy. Like Oscar Sr, he enjoyed woodworking and time tinkering. He said his wife made the best fish fry dinners, turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy, cookies and apple pies. Grandpa Oscar and great-grandson Jason share a very special connection and bond. When you see Jason, you see into a man who carries part of his grandpa's heart and who will always be with Jason. Oscar's daughter Terry gave everything she had to caring for her father after her mother's passing and is a true example of a daughter's love.
Oscar is survived by his daughters Terry (Larry) Fountain and Penny (Bob) Ping; grandchildren Tracey (Rick) Brietzman, Heidi (Karl) Brickson, Scott (Stacy) Fountain, and Troy Ping; great-grandchildren Jackie (Adam) Marcum, Callie (Jake) VanLare, Jason, Coy, Kole, Jake, Ryan, Caitlin, Josh, and Jessie; many caring nieces, especially Vicki, and nephews, especially Brian and his children.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Margaret Kvalheim, brother Howard Anderson and his beloved wife Betty who passed away in May of this year sharing almost 69 years of marriage. When we think of Oscar, we will remember him being in that true up north state of mind, on a lake fishing and breathing that special crisp northern air.
Special thank you to Agrace staff, Nazareth staff, and caregivers Peggy Kiss and Phoebe Baker, and to Betty Seamonson for providing Oscar's sweet tooth with goodies.
A celebration of his life will take place at American Legion Post 59, 803 N Page Street in Stoughton on Saturday, November 16, 2013, from 11 to 2 pm with military honors starting at 12:30pm.
Will the last one leaving Manitowish Waters please turn out the lights.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244