Carl D. Anderson Sr., age 76, of Bessemer, passed on peacefully to the next step in his journey on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. Carl lived his entire life in the shadows of the Bessemer bluffs. He was well known for his love of cars, old and new. He spent countless hours in his garage with his best buddy since childhood, Erland Ollikainen. He loved to travel and took his family to the Dells most summers. His favorite activity was taking a boat ride on the river out to the Indian ceremonies where he once met the chief. It was one of his favorite memories that he spoke of often. As a young man he ran his own gas station in Wakefield across from the ever-popular Cormier gas station on Highway 2. He then went to work for the city of Bessemer as a heavy equipment operator where he worked until he retired. In later years he traveled often with his wife Barbara to Arizona and Sault St. Marie. They enjoyed the RV-ing life, and he loved to "go casino", where he enjoyed the food and maybe would drop a $20. For the last six years he was able to spend countless hours coffee clutching with his son Carl and many friends from Wakefield to Ironwood. He loved his coffee! He loved his friends. He loved to be with people. Carl is survived by his children, Mary (Dennis) McRae, Joanne (Chris) Bartlett, Jenny (Terry) France, Carl Anderson, Jr., and an adopted daughter Nicole (Mark) Demerath. He is survived by six step-children as well, Tina Mars Shannon, Susie (Brad) Barto, Ricky Mars, Lisa Anderson, Bobby (Jennifer) Mars, and Pamela (Shane) Sanquist. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Eric and Matthew McRae, Tonya and Joshua Bartlett, Noah and Maddie France, Zach and Timothy Demerath, Jessica (Tim) Aijala, Ashley, Tony, and Casey Barto, Dale and Tiana Mars, Samantha (Tom) Anderson, Erica Mars, Cory Mars, Amanda (Chuck) Trevarthan, and Tyler and Cameron Sanquist; and three great-grandbabies, Luke, Rylan, and Cora. Carl was predeceased by his wife Barb; his parents, Gladys and Carl Anderson; a brother, Raymond, who died at the age of three; a son Matthew at birth; and a granddaughter Sarah at birth, all who were undoubtedly there to welcome him home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Father Robb Jurkovich will be the celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service in the St. Joseph Room at the church. Spring burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. A good cup of coffee and a great meal will be served afterwards at Manny's restaurant in Ironwood. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood. To leave online condolences visit rangefuneralservices.com.
