Edward C. Anderson

RAMSAY, Mich. - Edward C. Anderson, 96, a long-time resident of Ramsay, passed away peacefully late Thursday morning, Dec. 21, 2017. He was surrounded by his beloved family.

Ed was born on June 9, 1921, in Ironwood, a son of Erick and Mary J. (Anderson) Anderson. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1941.

Ed proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during World War II in Europe and Africa. He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class on Nov. 14, 1945. Ed was a recipient of the Purple Heart and earned other military medals. After returning home, he enrolled at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis and received an automotive mechanic certificate. Ed worked at Cloon Motor Company, Hosking Tire and Inkala's Auto Repair, all in Wakefield. He retired in the early 1980s after many years of service to the community.

On Aug. 22, 1959, Ed was united in marriage to Ida A. (Benedict) Gustafson at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer. They made their home in Ramsay and Ed became the proud stepfather to Ida's four children.

Ed and Ida enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and took great pleasure spending time at their cottage on beautiful Lake Gogebic, where they welcomed everyone. In earlier years, he was an avid bowler and won many trophies.

Ed is survived by three stepchildren, Charlotte Grayson, Plover, Wis., Gary Gustafson Sr. (Susan), Ramsay, and Christine Kempf, Bath, S.D .; his stepson-in-law, Robert Eilo, Hurley, Wis .; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Marceline Van Wormer, Lake Orion, Mich .; and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Ida, on June 18, 2004; a stepdaughter, Carol Eilo, on Dec. 3, 2011; his stepson-in-law, Ernest Kempf, on Sept. 15, 2017; and four brothers, Leonard, Luther, William "Ernest" and Clarence "Kelly."

In accordance with Ed's wishes, the family is honoring his life in a private funeral service.

A committal service and interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, in the spring, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, who provided many kindnesses to Ed.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.