Gary John Anderson, age 76, of North Platte, NE died on November 29, 2020. He was born on August 26, 1944 in National City, CA to Ferera (Jackson) and Thrue Anderson. When he was young, the family moved to Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Gary attended school and graduated from Bergland, Michigan.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, spending most of his enlistment in Asia working as a jet mechanic. He was honorably discharged and stopped in North Platte, NE to see his grandmother. He never left because he didn’t want to shovel snow half of his life.
He did numerous odd jobs before opening Gary’s Comco on the corner of 4th and Jeffers. Gary had a gas station, sold cars, and a tow truck. He sold the shop and opened Gary’s Repair and U-Haul until his retirement in 2009.
In 1970, he married Roseann Sullivan, and to this union 6 sons were born. Rose preceded him in death in 1998. In 2000, Gary married Brenda Behsman.
Gary was a drag racer in his younger years. He loved the excitement, speed and noise of the track. His car was called, “Ole Nervous” because he would get excited and his legs would shake. He enjoyed racing in Kansas and Nebraska.
His favorite organization was the Platte River Sportsman’s Club. He was the 2nd member and was president for over 20 years. He loved public sight in day for the hunters, any shooting competition and the annual gun show. He and his friends did guard duty for years during the show or checking in guns. For several years, the club sponsored cowboy shoots. He loved getting into his cowboy gear and using his alias -Ole Nervous- to compete.
He was an avid motorcyclist and for years he rode with a group of men from Michigan in May. Over the years, he rode all over the United States. He loved putting on his leathers, straddling his Gold Wing, and heading out on a new adventure. In fact, it influenced his choice of ringtone, “Born to be Wild”.
After retiring, Gary turned his repair shop into a wood working/coffee shop. He made beautiful furniture and gifts for his wife, family and friends. Friends would gather at the shop daily for conversation. Gary, John Zahl, Jim Thompson, Al Kelly and more, would solve the problems of the world.
Gary loved cooking and baking. He was dubbed Gary Crocker by a friend and it stuck. Gary baked for the staff of the North Platte Public Library, family, and his coffee pals.
Gary touched many lives and will be missed by many.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Roseann; son, Tony; and a sister.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons, Jeff (Kathy), Alan, Danny, Chris (Tammy), and Ryan Anderson; daughter-in-law, Shurie; six grandchildren; four great granddaughters; four sisters and a brother.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Friday, May 14, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with The Reverend Vidya Sagar celebrating. A Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 13 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial of ashes will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and the North Platte Veteran’s Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Catholic Schools Endowment Fund, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, or Pawsitive Partners.
Services will be held following the church’s current health directives regarding Covid-19. The service will be livestreamed via Carpenter Memorial Chapel’s Facebook page. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com.