Elmer John Anderson, Jr of Dakota, Illinois passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025 in Auburn Hills, Michigan with his daughter, Christina, and son-in-law, Michael, at his side.

John was born on December 31, 1937 in Freeport, Illinois to Elmer and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Krause) Anderson Sr.

John grew up on the family farm in Dakota. He's often remembered for playing high school basketball and, if he wasn't being too humble he might admit to being 'pretty good for a little guy.' John was drafted to the Army and served 1961 to 1963. Upon return, he resumed his job at Rockford Blacktop where he eventually retired after nearly 44 years on the job.

John enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. In his younger days he also spent a lot of time playing softball and bowling. He loved to head to the bar to "tell some lies" with his friends and watch a ball game on tv. He enjoyed working on projects (and having beers with his buddies) in his shop and he really loved mowing some 'straight lines' in his yard - along with the yards of anyone else who would let him!

John Anderson was a stellar guy who loved his family, his friends and his neighbors and they all loved him right back. He will be missed terribly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Francis Wise and Charmaine Niesman, nephew Frank Wise and his wife, Joyce Lucht-Anderson. He is survived by his daughters, Christina (Michael) Hetzler and Denise Lamoreux (Michael) Clenney, step-sons Mitch (Carla) Lamoreux and Doug Lamoreux, nephews Todd (Laura) Wise, Mickey (Jody) Niesman, niece Debbie (Roger) Brinkmeier, his grandchildren and his many great nieces and nephews and their children.

John will be coming home for his final resting at Dakota Cemetery on October 18th at 11am. The graveside service is open to his friends and family. We will be gathering to raise a toast to celebrate his life at Route 75 Bar & Grill afterwards so please feel free to join us.