Bruce Anderson

Funeral Services for Bruce H. Anderson will be conducted from the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. Interment will be in the Fridhem Cemetery at Funk, Nebraska following the services.

Bruce Hoover Anderson, 88 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2017 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Bruce was born October 24, 1928, on the family farm seven miles northeast of Funk, the third of five children to Ephraim Theodore "E.T." Anderson and Clara Amelia (Nelson) Anderson. Bruce received his primary education from the Prairie Rose School District #11 through the eighth grade and then completed his high school education by correspondence from American Schools in Chicago in 1961.

On August 30, 1949, he was united in marriage to A. Laurene Erickson and to this union two children were born: Linda Jeanette and Richard Bruce. They made their home on a farm three miles south of Funk, this homestead had been in Laurene's family since 1906, when it was purchased by her grandparents, Swan and Selma Nelson. The couple spent their lives working along-side each other on the farm and dedicating their lives to their children. In addition to farming, Bruce worked for the Funk Telephone Company from 1952 to 1968.

After farming dry land for a number of years, the land was gradually developed for irrigation by leveling and putting down deep wells. He was proud to be a farmer, with harvest being his favorite time of year. A highlight in 1958 was when Bruce and Laurene were winners of the "Sounds on the Farm" contest sponsored by KMMJ in Grand Island, Nebraska. The prize was a new International 460 tractor, which proved to be a big help with the farming at that time.

Bruce was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was devoted to his community and Lord. For many years the couple attended the Fridhem Lutheran Church. In 1968, they began attending Emmaus Evangelical Free Church north of Funk, where he was active in many phases of the church's ministry. Bruce was also active with Gideon's International and the Funk Lion's Club throughout the years. In the 1950's, Bruce became interested in amateur radio, and earned an FCC license.

Gospel music was always a special interest to the couple. Bruce enjoyed playing bass guitar with "The Scandinavians" as well as other groups throughout the years. Bruce and Laurene enjoyed providing music programs for nursing homes, senior citizen centers and the Farmers Market. Many fond memories were formed through the years being part of a local band with friends, called the "Sons' of the Soil."

In addition to music, Bruce also enjoyed a hobby of cars. With an energy crisis at that time, his innovation skills showed through when he built an alcohol still to produce alcohol for use in cars and trucks.

When Laurene's health began to fail and she began to make her home at Holdrege Memorial Homes, Bruce was a devoted caretaker, and religious about joining her each day for dinner and supper at the home. Together they prayed every night for family, friends, and listened to gospel music. On February 27, 2012, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laurene.

On November 10, 2012, he was united in marriage to Kathleen A. Tschabrun. They enjoyed each other's company, and caring for the needs of each other.

Besides his wife, Laurene and parents; Bruce was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Alice Erickson; brother, Kenneth N. Anderson and his wife, Jeanne; one sister, Ruth Peterson and her husband, Henry; and brother-in-law, Harold L. Erickson and his wife, Isabelle.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Kathleen of Holdrege; daughter, Linda Liljehorn and her husband, Roger of Holdrege; son, Dick Anderson and his wife, Mary of Funk; four grandchildren: Tiffany Vincent and her husband, Kyle; Mark Liljehorn and his wife, Jennifer; Tim Anderson; and Mike Liljehorn and his wife, Anna; five great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Isaac and Lauren Liljehorn and Claire and Carter Vincent; Kathy's children: Dawn Tschabrun of Roswell, New Mexico and Kevin Tschabrun and his wife, Tammy of Hildreth, Nebraska; sisters: Elna Bragg of Holdrege and Muriel Kardell and her husband, Kenneth of Laurel, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Gideon's International or the donor's choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.