August "Gus" S. Anderson's Obituary
Big Rapids - August S. "Gus" Anderson, 95, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Metron of Big Rapids. Gus was born November 10, 1920, in Big Rapids, the son of Merrill and Iola (Downey) Anderson. He attended Evart High School then graduated from Big Rapids High School. Gus was very active in a variety of sports at both schools. On June 20, 1941, he wed Alice Jane Vliet, a marriage that lasted nearly 75 years. During World War II, Gus served with the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he returned to Big Rapids, and began working at Hanchett Manufacturing. Gus retired as the Plant Superintendent after 42 years with the company. Gus was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, serving as head usher for 20 years, as well as many other committees. He was a charter member of Big Brothers - Big Sisters Program along with his daughter Susan. Gus also was a Boy Scout Cub Master and a little league baseball coach, and remained active in various sports activities. He was a referee for many years, and was inducted into the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame. Gus was a member of the American Legion, and was a former Commander of Post #98 in Big Rapids. He was also a charter member of the VFW, and served on the Civil Defense Team in Mecosta County. Gus was fortunate enough to have recently flown to Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight. He was also proud to be one of four generations of his family to serve as a volunteer fireman -including his grandfather August, his father Merrill, and his son Larry. Gus was an avid fisherman and hunter, and continued to hunt well into his 90's with his son Terry.Gus is survived by his wife Alice Jane; their three children, Larry and Tish Anderson of Newaygo, Terry and Bev Anderson of Holt, and Susie and Virgil Cimala of Stevensville; grandchildren Kimberly and Scott Plzak, Rick and Tracy Anderson, Missy and John Clark, Brian and Holly Anderson, Tim and Angie Anderson, Taylor and Jen Cimala, Kaitlyn and Geof Coeling, Jay, and Zack; great-grandchildren Chelsea, Laurel, and Andrew Plzak, Alliey Anderson, Claire and Avery Anderson, Marie and Leya Anderson, Chloe Clark, and Eloise Cimala; and other surviving family including Jess and Ruth Vliet, and Nancy Horan; and his nieces and nephews include Jerry and James Thomas, Michael Bishop, Shelly Robinson, and Janice Steinke. Funeral services for Gus will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Rebecca Morrison officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 and AmVets Post # 1941. His family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and at the church after 10 a.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions In Gus' name may be made to the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
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