Time For Memory

Dr. Stuart Anderson, a resident of Greenville for over 40 years, passed away Monday April 30 2012, just four days before his 92nd birthday. Stu and his wife of 68 years, Dorothy, had moved to Northern California to be with their daughter, Sharon, after living in Plant City, Florida since 1991. Dr. Anderson loved his work as an optometrist in Greenville. He felt he had truly found his calling by helping people with their vision, and it was important to him that his patients leave the office with a parting joke or a smile. His other great passion was his work with the Lions Club both in Greenville and Plant City. He was proud of his perfect attendance record of over 50 years, and he was honored to be selected as Lions 11-C District Governor in 1970. Stu also received may honors from the Lions for his years of work to restore and preserve sight. He served as the president of the Michigan Eye Bank and the State Sight Conservation Committee, and he spent endless hours collecting used glasses that were sent to needy people all over the world. Stuart was named Greenville's Citizen of the Year in 1989. Through the years he served Greenville as a trustee of United Memorial Hospital, and as a member of the planning committee for Greenville High School and the Chamber of Commerce. He and Dotty were so pleased to be chosen as the grand marshals of the Danish Festival Parade in 1988. Stuart love to sing, and he joined his voice with the choir of Greenville's First Congregational Church for many years. He also was an enthusiastic member of the barbershop singing organization SPEBSQSA, forming his own quartet, and traveling around the country to hear the best choruses and quartets in the nation. He was a fan of all sports and was an avid golfer. He and Dot were longtime members of the Greenville Country Club and planned many events for the Club. Stuart was born May 4, 1920, the third son born in Grand Haven to Swedish-born parents , Oscar and Evelyn Anderson. His brothers, Oscar and Chester, preceded him in death. He served his country in the South Pacific during WWII in the Signal Intelligence Section of the 8th Army. Stuart has always said how grateful he was that after the war, the GI Bill allowed him to study to be an eye doctor at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Stuart Anderson was a loving husband to Dorothy, who survives him. He was an outstanding father to his only child, Sharon, and a responsible, hard-working citizen. He was also proud of his only grandchild, David, and he felt blessed that we all have his son-in-law, Steve Edelman, in our lives. Stuart Anderson left the world a better place. We will miss him. A memorial service was held on Sunday May 20, 2012 at the First Congregational Church Greenville with Rev. Dr. Jerrold T. Jones as officiant. Interment of his remains were in the church Columbarium. Memorials may be given to the 1st Congregational Church 126 E. Cass St. Greenville MI 48838 or to the Lions of Michigan Foundation Sight Restoration Fund, 5730 Executive Dr. Lansing MI 48911.