John A. Anderson

John Andrew Anderson
September 23, 1933 – February 16, 2026

John Andrew Anderson passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 92 at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, Illinois.

He was born on September 23, 1933, on a colony farm near Bishop Hill, Illinois, to Helen Maurine Johnson and Julian Warren Anderson. A proud descendant of the original Bishop Hill colonists, John carried a deep respect for his heritage, faith, and community throughout his life.

John attended a one-room country school and the Bishop Hill Colony School before graduating from Galva High School. Determined to pursue a college education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War under the promise, “You give us four years, we’ll give you four years.” He served four years as a Staff Sergeant and jet mechanic crew chief on the F-86 Sabre with the 23rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron, stationed in Bitburg, Germany, and later in Amarillo, Texas. His wartime service and technical training inspired him to become an engineer.

In 1956, John married Martha Lines. After his discharge from the Air Force, he pursued higher education at Western Illinois University. With the support of the GI Bill and Martha—who worked as secretary to the university president—John completed his education while also working weekends doing home repairs. During those busy years, he even sold homemade cinnamon rolls to help support his family while finishing his studies. Martha unfortunately died in 1965 after a battle with cancer.

John later earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri. He was hired by John Deere Industrial Equipment Works in June 1960, beginning a distinguished 32-year career. He spent four years in France as Director of Engineering at the John Deere Saran Works and ultimately retired as Manager of Engineering at the John Deere Davenport Works in 1992.

On March 19, 1966, John married Natalie Nelson, who survives him. They met each other while both working at John Deere. Together, they joined their families and built a loving and devoted life and were blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

John restored five historic homes, including the Colony Krusbo House in Bishop Hill. In the early 1990s, he became an active volunteer and later a board member of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, serving in numerous roles focused on building restoration and maintenance. He was also a member of the Bishop Hill Old Settlers Association and the United Church of Altona.

A man of diverse interests, John loved dancing, traveling, skiing, woodworking, antiquing, music, farming, and taking Sunday drives. His hobbies reflected his zest for life, his curiosity, and his appreciation for both family and community.

He is survived by his wife, Natalie Anderson; his children, Jill (Keith) Gasaway, John Anderson, Charles (Cassi) Anderson, Steven (Karen) Thompson, and Debbie (Bruce) Borkgren; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian Warren Anderson and Helen Maurine Johnson Anderson; his sister, Joan (Robert) Pardieck; his infant son, Hans Christian Anderson; his daughter, Laurie Anderson, who passed away from cancer at the age of four; and his first wife, Martha Lines.

John will be remembered for his quiet determination, steady leadership, mechanical ingenuity, generous spirit, and deep devotion to family and community. His life reflected perseverance, service, faith, and a lasting commitment to preserving the heritage he so cherished.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Rux Funeral Home in Galva, Illinois with Pastor Scott Cramer officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Bishop Hill Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Galva Fusiliers.  A luncheon will be served afterward at the Bishop Hill Colony School.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made to the John Anderson Memorial Fund, to be distributed for donation by the family at a later date.

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