On Monday December 31st, 2012 William (Bill) Earl Anders passed on due to complications of COPD.
Bill was born on October 3rd, 1922 to Albert and Eddie Mae Monette Anders. In early childhood years he was raised with siblings Albert Jr., Freda Mae, Madeline and Howard at a homestead located on Rattlesnake Gulch 35 miles North of Helena off of Lincoln Rd. These early years were spent learning the chores that had to be done: raising chickens, gathering eggs, chopping wood, pumping water and gardening-all of which became the foundation of Bill’s strong work ethics. He and his siblings attended Wilborn School. His family moved to Helena after a fire destroyed the family homestead. Bill attended Helena High School. He was part of the boxcar gang when the school was destroyed in the earthquake of 1935.
Bill did every kind of work to make “a buck”, including driving cab, delivering papers, working as a farmhand for Schatz Ranch. He even contracted digging the basement for Herman Funeral Home (now Twichel Funeral).
When WWII broke out Bill entered the Navy. While home on leave, he married the “prettiest girl in town” Margaret Ann Sabados. Upon completion of his service duties, Bill and Margaret then moved to Helena and started what was to become a stellar partnership and entrepreneurial careers. Bill was the “front” and Margaret was the “heart” of these endeavors. The years passed as the business endeavors continued – Bill’s Spudnut Shop; Bluebell Potato Chips; Bill’s Bakery and Lunch; Bill’s Coffee Shop; Bill’s Bakery-Hustad Shopping Center; Bill’s Catering; Valley Speedway Partners; Anders Fiberglass Products; Co-Owner of Capital Music and Montana Hydraulics; Rental Property Owner; Ranching and Custom Haying. Bill did it all.
Bill and Margaret had 5 children; Gary, Doug, Connie, Tom and Tammy. They were married 66 years until Margaret’s passing in 2010. Bill was an active participant in watching his children and grandchildren in their activities, be it baseball, football, basketball, rodeo, 4-H, team penning, soccer. His personal favorite activities were bowling, hunting, dancing, watching Fox News, game shows, lunch (with guys at Jorgenson’s) and very competitive weekly Pinochle group. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Eddie Mae Monette Anders; siblings: Albert Anders, Madeline Miller, Freda Mae Cary, Howard Anders; Wife Margaret; Son Tom Anders and his wife Trudy Anders(McGee).
Bill is survived by his son’s: Gary(Jackie) Anders; Doug(Nancy) Anders; Daughter’s: Connie Anders; Tammy(John) Novotny and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sister-in-Laws Audrey Anders and Doris Anders; many nieces and nephews and their children.
Thanks, Bill, for sharing your life with so many and helping make the world a better place!
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Good Samaritan Ministries Thrift Store 3067 North Montana Ave. Helena, Mt or the charity of donor’s choice.
The family will receive friends from 2-4pm, Sunday, January 6 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am, Monday, January 7 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow in the Social Hall in the Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be at Resurrection Cemetery following the Reception. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 P.M.
Sunday January 6, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Monday January 7, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
,
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 P.M.
Sunday January 6, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Monday January 7, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
,
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Darlene Miller Scott says
Uncle Billy, Among many other things, I will always remember your wonderfully delicious donuts and bread and I will never forget the beautiful wedding cake that you made for us 45 years ago. RIP
Darlene
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Bill Anders was one of the finest men EVER. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but welcomed by so many “up there”! Rest in Peace, Bill.
Connie Larson Welter says
I can’t remember many aspects of my life that Bill Anders was not a part. His kindness, generosity, integrity, wisdom, passion, stubbornness, and love of his family were always present. He was loved and will be missed by so many. But what a great and happy life he lived!
Claudene and Steve Carkeek says
I remember Uncle Billy as far back as I can remember. He and Aunt Margaret were an institution in our family, Steve met them even before he met me. The last few times we saw Uncle Billy, he was in his motorized cart at the store, and he always seemed happy to see us, always had a story to tell. He was so good to our kids. What an incredible family he’s leaving behind, and what a legacy! We’ll miss him dearly.
Rita Lasko says
A kind and gntle friend has left us to be joined with Margaret. What a privledge it has been knowing Bill. He touched many people in his life time in ways only a friend would know. I trust the Angels are keeping track of him in his truck and do not take his drivers’ license away! Rest in peace. I will miss you friend…
Keith and Gail Hatch says
We are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing… He was a very special man and he was so supportive of all of his family! Such a warm loving person. Just know he is still with you still in many ways, and best of all he is now with Margaret and Tom and Trudy!!! Our thoughts are prayers are with the family at this time.
Michele Abney says
There were many things I loved about Bill, but foremost was that he was a man who was not afraid to wear his emotions on his sleeve including how much he loved Margaret. He was a class act.
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anders family. Bill was a very special person and we are sure he is in a nicer place with family members who went before him.
God Bless
Stavona Perkins says
My favorite memory of my Uncle Billy is that he would always put his arm around you, draw you close and say something absolutely hilarious!–and then laugh harder than you did! He was one of the hardest working people I ever knew, and did well no matter what he tried. He raised 5 amazing kids, and, yes, the doughnuts! Bless him……
Jody Sandru says
Your dad was always such a classy guy. Sending our deepest sympathy as you say goodbye. It is nice to know he is reunited with your mom and Tom! Hugs and blessings!
Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus says
Connie, Gary, Doug and Tammy,
I will always remember your Dad in the Bakery and doing breakfast at the Cathedral with my Dad. In highschool I remember him doing the lunches for us at the “New School”. It seems most of my memories of him were when he was feeding somebody. The last time I saw him he wanted to fill me with stories of his times spent with my Father, now, they are all together again. He will be greatly missed as he was such a big part of Helena.
Fr. Richard Francesco says
I only knew Bill in his last year of life, but even in the trying times of illness he was unfailingly grateful, gracious and kind — a real testimony to his faith.
Peggy Erickson says
To Connie, Kristen and the rest of your family: Having lost my own father this past year, I know how hard it is to say goodbye to someone who has always been there and who was loved so much. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that our Father in Heaven will comfort each of you with your own special memories of your Dad and Grandpa , and the knowledge that you will one day see him again. Love to all of you.
Jenni says
Mr. Anders will always have a special place in my heart.. I will remember the food the shared and cooked. Telling me what I needed to do to make my recipe better each time I shared and glowing when he said it was good. Talking to him about whatever was on his mind and telling me how things were. I miss talking to him… I will always remember him and how proud of his family he was.. He was always talking about his children and his grandkids and nieces and nephews. What an amazing life he led… My prayers and thoughts are with the family…
Pat Wendel Jones says
IF THE WORLD WAS MADE OF PEOPLE LIKE BILL, WE WOULD BE AT TRUE PEACE. SPUDNUTS WERE MOM’S FAVORITE! (FLORENCE AND LAWRENCE WENDEL). 90 YEARS DOESN’T SEEM LONG ENOUGH FOR SUCH A GOOD PERSON. RIP
Jim & Mary Ann Buck says
We were privileged to meet Bill and Margaret Anders when our son married their granddaughter, Nikki. That rugged Montana spirit of hospitality, generosity, and solid love and support of family were evident in their lives and lives on in Nikki, whom we cherish. We send our love and prayers at this difficult time and will be with you in spirit.
Donna Hodgson says
Bill was my first cousin. I was the youngest of the 15 Anders cousins. My brother Hank was two years older than Bill, and sister Grace was a year older, so they grew up together. Brother Jerry was a younger cousin also.
I grew up hearing stories about Uncle Albert’s family having a ranch up Rattlesnake. Bill would share funny stories about his boyhood on the ranch. There were many Anders reunions where we got to be together and hear many more stories.
Our family dog, Lassie, came from Margaret’s family (Sabados) farm.
When I was in 6th grade at Hawthorne, we would go to the post office and buy savings stamps for the school on Fridays. I always looked forward to crossing the street and having a pasty for lunch at Bill’s Bakery and Lunch. I remember how proud I was that Bill was my cousin.
When Rod and I married, Bill and Margaret made our wedding cake and gave us the groom’s cake as a wedding gift. They were always so kind and giving.
You have been very kind to our family, Bill. Inviting us to the rodeo, taking us golfing, and making us feel like we were important to you.
We will always remember you as a very kind, ambitious, gentle and fun-loving man.
Cathie and Gary Schoer says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Angela Ewing-Hyyppa says
My dearest Connie, Tammy, and Family,
My heart goes out to you. Your Dad is not gone as he lives in each of you. The jokes, sayings, and mannerisms will always be seen and heard in each of you. Please know you are in my prayers.
Judi Dahl Foutz says
To Doug and the Anders Family,
I met your Dad when we had an arcade on Euclid Ave. in the early 80’s and he supplied the games. We hit some really hard times and he bent over backwards to help us. I will always remember his kindness and caring.
May you find peace in knowing that he is back home with his Heavenly Father and wonderful wife, son and parents and is smiling with the rest of the angels.
Dr. Joanna Dove says
Hello Gary and Family, Thanks for bringing Bill into our naturopathic clinic several years ago; it was a pleasure to have known him; bantering words and always watching to see if I could understand he was all joke and no smoke. Blessings to you and I’m certain he is happy to be with his wife and keeping everyone there smiling. Sincerely, Joanna Dove