Laurel L. Anderson

Laurel Lee Anderson, 84, died peacefully on March 30, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Luther Campus in Eau Claire, WI with his son and daughter-in-law by his side and other family members and friends in his thoughts and prayers.

Laurel was born on January 2, 1941, near Hollandale in Ridgeway Township of Iowa County Wisconsin to Gladys Lenore Klosterman and William Henry Anderson as one of eight children. At age of 1-1/2 his family moved to Platteville, WI.

Laurel worked in a grocery store during his high school years. He graduated from the Edgar G. Doudna Laboratory School in Platteville, WI in 1959. In October of 1959 he moved to Kenosha, WI and began his career at American Motors. He completed his Millwright Apprenticeship on September 21st, 1969. This is one of the accomplishments he was most proud of.

Laurel married Patricia Maria Knopps of Menomonie, WI at the First Congregational church in Platteville, WI on February 24, 1961. Laurel and Patricia were blessed with Wayne William Anderson on March 28, 1963, and Scott Wade Anderson on March 8, 1966.

Laurel and Patricia resided in Kenosha, WI for 38 years until Laurel retired from Chrysler Corporation on April 30, 1997, and then permanently moved to Almena, WI, where they spent their retirement years on their 110 acres of picturesque land bordering the north fork of the Hay River. Laurel enjoyed, hunting on the family land, fishing (both open water and ice) in the many phenomenal lakes near their home, fabricating a variety of mechanical devices such as trailers and even an earth mover, having coffee with his friends every morning in Almena, and driving his Kubota UTV. Maybe more than anything else; however, he loved to spend hours working the controls of his Gehl skid-steer like a finely tuned instrument; this was his happy place.

Several years ago, Laurel was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease/Pulmonary Fibrosis which gradually slowed Laurel’s body but did not stifle his ambitions nor mind. He did move in to join Patricia at Cambridge Senior Living in Rice Lake, WI on December 6, 2024.

Laurel loved his wife Patricia and was very proud to have two sons, Wayne and Scott, and 4 grandchildren, Katie, Eric, Megan and Ryan and grandchild, Cali.

Laurel is survived by his wife, Patricia Maria (Knopps), Rice Lake, WI; and son Wayne William (Bridget), Burlington, WI; son Scott Wade (Barbara), Fontana, WI; granddaughter Katie Roe, North Port, FL; Eric Anderson, Oshkosh, WI; granddaughter Megan Anderson, Scottsdale, AZ; grandson Ryan Anderson, Madison, WI; great-granddaughter Cali Roe, North Port, FL; siblings Marshall Anderson, Platteville, WI; Wilma Anderson, Platteville, WI; brother-in-law LaRoy Messling, Deerfield, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurel was preceded in death by brother Carroll Anderson, brother Elwood Anderson, sister Loa Anderson Nelson, sister Marlene Messling, sister Moya Thomas and sister-in-law Bernetta Anderson.

Laurel’s wishes were to be cremated and then laid to rest at St. John’s cemetery in Irvington, WI. Laurel also requested no funeral. The family hopes to organize a celebration of life at some time in the future.

If you wish, gifts may be made in Laurel’s memory to:

         The 'UW Foundation' with a note to direct the gift to "Comparative Genetics & Clinical Research Laboratory Fund - 112840014" to support his grandson’s (Ryan Anderson) research that Laurel found to be interesting and important. You may either mail your gift to: UW Foundation US Bank Lockbox Box 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807 or you may submit your gift online at http://www.supportuw.org/giveto/AndersonMemorial

Mayo Clinic Luther Campus in Eau Claire as Laurel was duly impressed with the Medical Professional’s outstanding care.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.