Charles Frederick Anderson, age 93, of Sparta, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, WI.
Charles was born on October 27, 1932, to Simon (Avery) and Gena (Tollackson) Anderson, in Readstown, WI. On November 17, 1956, he married Dolores Rose Wall at the United Brethren Church in Ontario. The two would spend nearly 65 years together until her passing on October 12, 2021.
After the passing of his mother at the end of his eighth-grade year, Charles left school to help his dad on the farm. In 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army. Upon returning home, he earned his high school GED and pursued higher education, earning his bachelor’s degree and later master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. If there was ever a question, Charles would learn the answer. This mentality helped him on the farm until the family had to sell for the La Farge Dam project.
Charles was a devoted and proud educator, shaping the lives of every student who walked into his classroom. He taught middle school in New Lisbon and later taught third grade at Norwalk Elementary School and Norwalk-Ontario Elementary School. Whether he was working the land or in the classroom, Charles never stopped learning.
Charles enjoyed tending to his yard and flowers, making home improvements, and carpentry work. He stayed active throughout his life, enjoying bicycling and running. He even ran several marathons in his 60s. Charles and Dolores were also longtime members of the Bethany (Sandhill) Lutheran Church. Above all, Charles cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.
Charles is survived by his three children, Michael Jon (Janeen) Anderson, Jefferey Von (Patty) Anderson, and Lynette Dawn (Robert) Huston; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jeremy (Melissa) Anderson and their children, Drew, Brennon and Alexis; Kristina (Michael) Topness and their children, Kylie and Anna; Darrin (Sara) Anderson and their children, Allie, Olive, and Ella; Tori (Tyler) Erickson and their children, Tryg, Calloway and Mavie; Kelsey (Brandon) Flock and their children, Elaine, Emery, Colt, and Isa; Jenna (Ben) Sullivan and their children, Jetzyn, Ada, and a baby on the way; Aimee Lynn Lawrence and sons Matteo and Milo; Ranger Christopher Lawrence; and Aspen Michelle Lawrence; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; parents; an infant daughter, Michell Rose Anderson; and sisters, Janet Allen and Virginia Evans; brothers-in-law, Richard Allen and Pete Evans, and sister and brother-in-law, Ardyth (Avery) Rich.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Morrow Memorial Home, BridgePath Memory Care, and St. Croix Hospice for the love, care, and support they provided to Charles during his final months.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (noon) at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Sparta, WI, family and friends are invited to gather during the visitation to honor and remember Charles. Burial will follow in the Bethany Sandhill Lutheran Cemetery, rural La Farge, WI. Pastor Amanda Schultz will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany (Sandhill) Lutheran Church in memory of Charles. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
