Hugh Russell Anderson, age 88, of Rudyard, Michigan, died at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey, Michigan, on April 20, 2024. He was born on June 4, 1935, in Rudyard to Hugh Douglas and Mary Elizabeth (Nettleton) Anderson.
Hugh grew up in Rudyard and attended Rudyard High School while working on the family farm since the age of five. He met Ruth E. Keeler, and they married on October 19, 1956, and began their family. Hugh worked as a janitor at Rudyard High School for a couple years during the day while he drove the water trucks for the construction crews who were installing I-75. In 1958 he was drafted into the United States Army and served for 2 years. Hugh and Ruth moved to Alma, Michigan, for several years to run a pickle farm before returning to Rudyard and took over the family farm. Hugh started working as a bricklayer in the mid 60's. After Ruth’s death in 1983, Hugh met Julie Esther Preston, and they married on October 13, 1984, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They lived in Rudyard and raised their family while Hugh operated his company Quality Masonry for over forty years.
Hugh was a member of the Bricklayers Union Local #9-MI.
Hugh loved his Lord and Savior, and his faith was his anchor throughout his life. He was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, logging, trapping, and making maple syrup. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Julie; son, Karl (Rita) Anderson of Hortonville, Wisconsin; daughter, Alyssa (Bryant Fox) Anderson of Brimley, Michigan; grandchildren, Megan (Carson) Blodgett, Travis (Aamliya) Anderson, Sharalynn (Daniel Tews) Anderson, Sarahanne (Geno) Kevelin, Oakleigh Fox; daughter-in-law, Beth Anderson; great grandchildren, Piper, Hunter, Ember, Raelyn, Rory S., Olivia, Freya, Rory G., and baby Anderson on the way; sister-in-law, Joanne (Wayne) Tulloch; brothers, Herman (Olive) Anderson of TX, and Harold (Judy) Anderson of Escanaba, Michigan; and sisters, Pearl Bennett of Rudyard, Violet (Bill) Dale of Mesa, Arizona, and Fern Sutton of Pickford, Michigan; special nephews, Keith Hoolsema and Dale Smith; and many beloved nieces, nephews & cousins.
Hugh was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth; son, Hugh Ernest Anderson; parents, Hugh and Mary; stepdad, Herman Anderson; sisters, Laurel (Donald) Hoolsema and Grace (Floyd Smith) (Ron Lucas) Smith-Lucas; and brothers-in-law, Wally Bennett, and Jim Sutton.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, with the Funeral Service starting at 12:00 Noon, at the Family Life Funeral Homes in Pickford, Michigan.
Burial will follow at the Cottle Cemetery in Pickford, Michigan.
Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
