Bruce Anderson

Obituary:

Bruce L. Anderson, 69, of Stanley, passed away as the result of a motorcycle accident on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Bruce was born on September 7, 1956, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Barbara (Von Haden) Anderson. He grew up on the family farm south of Stanley and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 1975.

Bruce proudly served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1979. His service took him from basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, to South Korea and Fort Carson, Colorado. After returning home, Bruce took over the family farm. After selling the cows, he worked at Cloverleaf Cheese Factory, Blue Moon Cheese Factory, and then LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy. He enjoyed his work so much that he was still working full-time but planned on retiring soon. Bruce was a dedicated member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He was deeply devoted to his mother and made sure she could attend church, go out to eat, socialize, and remain safe in her home at night.

Bruce enjoyed swimming, fishing, visiting family and friends, bringing pizza to those he cared about, and tootling around on his motorcycle or four-wheeler. He was also a generous gift-giver. Gift cards were a favorite, but he was well known for giving hammers, Vise-Grips, and work gloves—whether you knew you needed them yet or not. Bruce was many things, but above all, he was hardworking, funny, calm, kind, dependable, and a penny-pincher. He rarely raised his voice, always looked on the bright side, and had a dry sense of humor that will not be forgotten. He never took life too seriously.

No one knew that better than his goddaughter, Megan, and her four daughters. Bruce consistently showed up for them through every stage of their lives. Megan was able to pursue many opportunities especially with school sports because Bruce cheered her on and invested his time, energy, and most importantly instilled confidence into her making her feel like she was really good at everything. He was much more than Megan’s godfather—he loved her as a daughter and was a father-like presence throughout her life. To Taylor, Alison, June, and Remi, Bruce was truly one of their grandpas in every way that mattered. They were his world, and his steady presence in their lives will be deeply missed.

Bruce is survived by his mother, Barbara “Barb” Anderson of Cadott; his brothers, Ronald (Julie) Anderson of Fall Creek, Richard (Karen) Anderson of Stanley, and Mark (Jacki) Anderson of Fairchild; his goddaughter, Megan Junker, her husband, John, and their daughters, Taylor, Alison, June, and Remi; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, coworkers, church family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Anderson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanley with Pastor Kenneth Schmidt officiating. Inurnment will follow in East Side Cemetery with Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow.