Thomas D. Anderson, 86, of Kearney passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Kearney Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at First Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. The Rev. Dr. Michelle Holley Carlson and Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson will officiate. Visitation will be held 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.

Thomas Dean Anderson was born July 31, 1937, in Minden, Nebraska, to Arnold and Isobelle (Carlson) Anderson. He received his education from Axtell High School, graduating with the class of 1955. Following high school, Tom was a catcher for the New York Yankees Farm Team in Kearney. Tom went on to attend Luther Jr. College in Wahoo, NE and later Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, earning his degree in 1959. Tom taught in Marquette, KS until moving to Kearney, NE in 1967. It was in Kearney that he met the love of his life, Kari Keating, and they were united in marriage on August 14, 1968, in Sidney, NE. The couple made their home in Kearney. Their son Casey was born in 1972 and daughter Jennie in 1976. Tom was a teacher and coach at Horizon Middle School and cross country coach at Kearney High School. Tom retired from teaching in 1999.

Tom was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church where he was active in choir and the First Four Quartet. He also sang in the Messiah and was a member of the board of the Axtell Oratorio Society. He was a charter member of #1733 Barbershop Chorus. Tom enjoyed music and athletics, having run nine marathons during his life. He loved the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In retirement, he enjoyed his coffee groups.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kari Anderson of Kearney; children, Casey (Debra) Anderson of Fountain Hills, AZ; Jennie Anderson of Omaha; grandchildren, Elliot Anderson of Flagstaff, AZ and Olivia Anderson of Fountain Hills, AZ; brother, James (Twila) Anderson of Kearney; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church and Bethany College. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Service are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Published by Kearney Hub on Jul. 11, 2024.