Joseph Neil Anderson

Anderson, Joseph Neil 80 of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on December 13, 2009. at home, surrounded by family and friends. Joe was born January 12, 1929 in Belmond, Iowa. He lost his mother Rosalie on his 12th birthday. The family, father Perry and sister Marilyn, moved to Bena, MN where his father was a fishing guide in 1943. They lived there 3 to 4 years then returned to Belmond, Iowa where Joe worked as a plumber’s assistant for Frank’s Plumbing. In 1951 he joined the Navy and served as an engineman and USS Preserver (ARS-8) and USS Mineral County (LST-988) and was discharged October, 1955. He returned home to Kanawha, IA. There he met Virginia Wishek, a music teacher and was married July 3, 1955. Joe and Virginia moved their family to Phoenix, AZ in 1961. From 1961-64 he worked at Camelback High School. From 1964-74, he was a stay-at-home dad and involved with his children in 4 H and other activities involving horses at Harrelson Stables. From 1978-85, he worked several security jobs. He retired from Universal Technical Institute in 1988 and enjoyed R. V. traveling through the U.S., boating, fishing, and hunting. But most of all, he loved being surrounded by his family and close friends. He is survived by his wife Virginia, daughters Jode (Ralph) King, Ninnette Stickles, Madeline (Glen) Reagan; sons Perry (Angie), Stewart (Wendy), Benjamin (Kathy); sister Marilyn Ramm; grandchildren Shawn, Kristan, Charles, Toni, Nicole, Blake, Joseph, Roy, Jacob, Alexandria, Todd, Zayne and great grandchildren Frank, David, William, Nathan, Noah and Addison. Funeral service will be at 11 am, Thursday, December 17, 2009 with visitation Wednesday from 5 - 8 pm at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St. Donations in his honor can be made to Sojourn Care, 7975 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to place online condolences.

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