Arden M. Anderson

Arden M. Anderson, 81, of Chadwick, IL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 24th at Saint Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford. A memorial fund has been established. Arden was born the son of Meredith and Ruby Anderson of Prophetstown, IL. He married the love of his life, Verna Tegeler on August 23, 1963. They lived in rural Chadwick and farmed for 25+ years. He and his brother also operated Anderson Brothers Corn Shelling for over 10 years. In 1985 he began working at Elkay Manufacturing and continued there until retiring in 2019, at the age of 79.

He was a faithful member of the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick, where he dedicated many years as a council member. He was a volunteer on the Chadwick Fire Department for many years as well.

The most important thing in life to him was his family. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his dear wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an incredible example to all who knew him of the importance of dedication to a job well done, of kindness and giving, honesty, godliness, and caring for others above yourself.

His second love was anything softball. He began the sport by playing slow pitch softball for many years. He also was an encouraging, dedicated coach for both mens’ slow pitch softball and girls’ summer softball. Lastly, he became an official umpire for girls’ softball. He dedicated many days to this sport that he loved so much. If you didn’t find him on the ball field, you would find him at home cheering on his Cubs!

Arden is survived by his wife of 57 years, Verna; two daughters, Cynthia (Kregg) Farmer of Milledgeville, and Jody Mertz of Chadwick; ten grandchildren, Caleb (Laura) Farmer, Alayna (Nathan) Turcotte, Haley McAuliffe, Micah Farmer, Courtney (Dantrion) Dodd, Jeanna Farmer, Stephanie Hale, Katryna Farmer, Gable Hale, Ali Mertz and five precious great-grandchildren. He also is survived by one brother, Therol Anderson, and two sisters, Shirley Erickson and Loralie (Ralph) Butts, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dear little companion, Scooter, whom he loved and enjoyed very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Valerie (Tommy) Hale.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2pm. Though the funeral service will be private, it will be live-streamed on Law Jones’ Facebook page. The public is also invited to gather in the parking lot of Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, IL at 2:45pm, to join in procession to Chadwick Cemetery, for burial and a public graveside service. Arden’s family asks that those in attendance please practice safe distancing, and refrain from physical touch. Due to approaching inclement weather, please check Arden’s page on Law Jones’ website the day of the service, for any updates.