Mike “Rosie” Anderson passed away September 30, 2022 at Gothenburg Hospital at age 47. Mike was born during a blizzard the morning of February 28, 1975 in Cozad, Nebraska. He grew up on a farm/ranch 18 miles northwest of Cozad in Roten Valley, Custer County, and attended rural grade school at District 81-R before moving on to Cozad High School. Mike enjoyed sports, especially football; he was the starting left tackle for Cozad’s 1992 Class B state champion football team. Owing to his passion for agriculture, Mike was a proud member of the Tail Twisters 4-H Club and competed for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln livestock and meats judging teams.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from UNL in 1998, Mike returned home to start his career in farming/ranching alongside his father. He married the one love of his life, Sarah Burkhalter, on August 20, 2005; they made their home in Gothenburg, Nebraska, and were blessed to bring four beautiful daughters into this world. Mike spent his final years working as a Research Assistant for the Bayer Corporation’s location in Gothenburg.
Mike loved following and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In addition to his beloved Huskers, he was a longtime Kansas City Royals and Denver Broncos fan. He enjoyed cooking, especially anything that could go over a wood-burning flame. He was a gentle soul who never met anyone he couldn’t have a conversation with or someone he wasn’t willing to help.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sarah “Huggy”; daughters, Lyndsay “Punky Sue,” Jenna “Goose,” Kadie “Gracie Mae,” and Maddy “Maddy Jo”; parents, Alan "Papa" and Kathy "Meme"; sister, Jill "Sissy" (Larry) Adams; brother, Andy "Rufus"; brothers-in law, Phillip (Sharilyn), David (Fabienne), and Andy (Frances) Burkhalter; nine nieces and nephews; and one great nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Services will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Gothenburg United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Gothenburg Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cozad with Rosary at 7 p.m. Berryman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.