Robert ‘Andy’ Anderson

Andy was born on Jan. 12, 1937, in Hancock, the son of Wallace L. and Ethel G. (Stoddard) Anderson. He grew up with six siblings, all of whom preceded him in death, and graduated from Houghton High School in 1955. A longtime resident of Felch, Andy made the community his home for most of his life.

After high school, Andy proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he continued his love for football, playing for the 18th Infantry football team at Fort Riley, Kansas. After completing his military service, he attended Michigan Tech University and Northern Michigan University, where he studied accounting and played both football and hockey.

He was employed at Champion Inc as a cost accountant for many years. He also coached baseball and officiated basketball games, always staying close to the sports he loved.

Andy was married to Norma Louise Anderson for 25 years, and together they raised four children: Dawn (Allen) Sommers, Teresa (John) Foster, Karla (Rob) Massie, and Jeff Anderson. He was a proud grandfather to Morrigan Beauchamp, Emmalee “Emme” Massie, and Olivia Beauchamp.

Robert ‘Andy’ Anderson

Sports were at the heart of Andy’s life. He was a diehard fan of all Detroit sports and Michigan Tech where he was a proud alumni. Andy always wore a shirt whether it was a t-shirt or sweatshirt supporting Michigan Tech or his favorite team. He was a true baseball aficionado with a passion for the game that spanned from the diamond to the bleachers. He always had a story about his favorite team, player, or game.

In the 1970s, Andy managed the Felch Rangers baseball team and was instrumental in bringing the Labor Day Tournament to Felch in 1971, a tradition that continues to this day. In 1981, Andy made a phone call to former Detroit Tigers pitcher John Hiller to ask him to come and play for Felch in the Labor Day Tournament. Hiller came to Felch and never left, moving his family there after falling in love with the community. In 1983, John Hiller brought Detroit Tiger Mark “The Bird” Fidrych to play in the Labor Day Tournament. That weekend, 10,000 people came to Felch — a proud moment for Andy.

Wherever Andy was in the world, there was someone he knew, always taking time to share a story, a laugh, or a friendly word. Even after suffering a severe stroke at the age of 53, he persevered through strength, resilience, and the lessons learned through a lifetime of sports, and never complained.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his caregiver and friend Cindy Vuorinen, and to Sue Jacobs of Jacobson Funeral Home in L’Anse, a dear friend whose frequent visits and kindness meant so much. They would also like to thank their sister Karla for the loving care and support she provided to their father in his final years.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Friends may sign Andy’s guestbook or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.