Howard B. Anderson
HANCOCK – Retired MTU professor, Howard B. Anderson, 95, of Hancock, died on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at Cypress Manor where he had been a resident for the past two years.
Howard was born December 13, 1914 in Escanaba, a son of Oscar and Edie Anderson.
He later moved to Bark River and to Iron Mountain where he graduated from high school. He received his BA degree from Northern Michigan University and an MA degree from the University of Michigan in 1939.
Howard began his long teaching career in L’Anse where he met his future wife, Selma Halquist. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant, serving with the Office of Strategic Services in North Africa and Italy.
In 1945, he returned to teach in Peshtigo, Wis. until his marriage to Selma in June of 1946. They then moved to Hancock where Howard began his career at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology until his retirement in 1981.
At MTU, he achieved the title of professor of Mathematics and was especially proud of his distinguished teaching award.
Howard was a member of Portage Lake United Church in Houghton, Dollar Bay VFW, Copper Country Kiwanis Club, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Ahmed Shrine, Order of Eastern Star, founding member of the Hancock Public Schools Foundation and numerous professorial societies.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Selma; and his parents.
He is survived by a daughter, Suzelle (Bill) Benett of Akron, Ohio; a son, Dr. William (Sally) Anderson of Hancock; a brother, Oscar Wesley Anderson of the Bluffs, Houghton; grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Mihelich, Dr. Todd Anderson, Morgan Anderson, Brianna Bennett and Elena Bennett.
Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2010 at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock where friends may call for an hour before services. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Hancock Public Schools Foundation in memory of Howard Anderson.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with his arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at oneilldennis.com
Messages
Comment from Howard Anderson
Time May 19, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Dr. Anderson & family,
You have our deepest sympathy.
Al & Joan Holman
Comment from Georgina Gill
Time May 20, 2010 at 10:50 am
So sorry to hear of Uncle Howard’s passing. He and Aunt Selma can now be together again! Thinking about all of you.
Comment from Dana Richter
Time May 21, 2010 at 10:15 am
My condolences to the family. Howard was a thoughtful, sincere, and civic-minded man who sought to make this world a better place for all to come. He spearheaded the donation of land from the Mason’s to the Keweenaw Land Trust, which has become the Paavola Wetlands Preserve, now grown to several hundred acres, used for wildlife habitat and by the schools for an outdoor classroom and field trips. Being a Veteran and proud of his service, he also believed that nuclear weapons could be banned and eliminated worldwide just as chemical and biological weapons are. He shared a vision of peace for the world and worked towards it throughout his life.
Comment from John and Helen Sullivan
Time May 24, 2010 at 10:19 am
Our sincere sympathy to Howard’s family.
May your memories and our Lord sustain you at this time. A finer gentleman is hard to fine.
Comment from Mel and Judy Mikkola
Time May 24, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Our sympathy to the family. Mel has fond memories of Professor Anderson when he attended MTU and had Howard for math coarses.
Comment from Marilyn Remmers
Time May 29, 2010 at 1:28 pm
I will always remember your father coming to E. L. Wright School to take our yearly class picture. My prayers are with your family.
Comment from Deborah Kemppainen
Time May 18, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Dear Dr. William Anderson and extended family,
I am extending my sincere condolences to all of your family on the loss of your father and grandfather. What a treasure to have him all of those 95 years. May God hold him close and bless all of you.