Jerry Paul Anderson of Lutsen, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth on Nov. 19, 2023, lovingly surrounded by his wife Tisha, his daughter Teajai Anderson Schmidt, and his son-in-law Michael Schmidt.
Jerry lived a full and rich life of 88 years. He was born and grew up in Iron Mountain, MI; attended, played football, and ski-jumped for the University of Denver; served in the Navy; graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in special education/speech pathology; worked for the US Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, and as a Camp Director for the US Youth Conservation Corps; and served the needs of many students and families as a speech therapist in Upper Michigan and Northeastern Wisconsin for over 28 years. Jerry was a Korean War Veteran, a champion athlete for the United States Ski Jumping Team, a talented singer and musician, a great outdoorsman and nature lover, and above all, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His warmth, kindness, humor, guitar playing, and storytelling will be greatly missed.
Jerry and his wife Tisha enjoyed their retirement in Lutsen including many days and miles of hiking with their dogs, nordic skiing, downhill skiing, and admiring the wildlife from their home. They were and continue to be grateful for the support and friendship of neighbors, service providers, and the community.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents Reuben and Florence Anderson. He is survived by his loving and forever wife of 58 years Tisha Anderson, his daughter Teajai Anderson Schmidt, his son-in-law Michael Schmidt, and his granddaughter Annika Anderson Schmidt. A celebration of life is being planned with more details to follow. For those who choose, gifts in memory of Jerry may be donated to the Lutsen Fire and EMS Department or the American Cancer Society.
