Obituary: Gilbert G. Anderson

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Gilbert G. Anderson

Gilbert G. “Gil” Anderson, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his home in Shorewood, IL. Gil was born on July 11, 1936, in Joliet, IL, to the son of the late Gilbert and Charlotte (nee Griffin) Anderson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army in the 11th Airborne Division, where he had 32 jumps. Gil retired from Amoco Chemicals after 35 dedicated years as a chemist and from Troy Transportation after 19 years.

Gil was a volunteer with the Shorewood Police Department Badge #7 and the Troy Fire Department, holding many offices including assistant chief for 42 years. He also volunteered with the Troy Ambulance Squad EMT-ID and the Shorewood Community Cable TV. He was a past president for the Will County Audubon Society. A proud volunteer, Gil also assisted the Will County Forest Preserve and the Shorewood Parks and Recreation Department.

Gil could often be found bird watching and taking care of his bird sanctuary yard. A man who enjoyed an adventure, he would go canoeing in BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) and backpacking in Wyoming. He also enjoyed being a cabana boy for the SBB’s. Gil could be found walking around Heap’s Pumpkin Farm, but his most favorite hobby was bringing the magic of Christmas to life by being Santa. If you knew Gil, you know that he would love to brag about his family.

Gil is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Patricia C. (nee Yeates) Anderson; one daughter, Tami (Rev. David) Fish; four sons, Charlie (Heather Sonon) Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Dr. Scott (Teresa) Anderson, and Jim (Kristi) Anderson; 16 grandchildren, Mady (Alex) Milstead, Chad, Andrew, Stephen, Sarah, Daniel, Hannah, Paxton, and Bodie Anderson, and Libby, Zeke, Ruth, Zac, Silas, Becky, and Leah Fish; one precious great-granddaughter, Elli Milstead; and cousin, Donna Anderson; his sister, Janet Goswick and his close neighbors who he considered family, Mark and Marilyn Senecal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one uncle, Ralph Anderson; and cousins, Richard and Steve Anderson.

Visitation for Gilbert George Anderson will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 2;00 to 6:00 p.m. and again on Monday at Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Messiah Lutheran Church.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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