Keith "Andy" Anderson

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Keith “Andy” Anderson, 83 years old. Andy passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 4, 2023 after a brief illness. He was a lifelong resident of Forreston, Illinois.

Andy was born May 10, 1939 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Velma (Butterbaugh) Anderson. He served in the US Army from 1957 to 1961 and was stationed at Camp Lariboisiere in Fontainebleau, France where he trained to be a diesel mechanic. While in Fontainebleau, Andy met Eileen Powell and they married on October 8, 1960.

After returning home from France, Andy worked for Mack Truck of Rockford for several years which sparked his desire to become a trucking Owner Operator. Andy later worked 22 years for Rowley Interstate. His regular route was from Dubuque, Iowa to New York City. In 1986, he received his own authority to operate in multiple states under the name of his company, Anderson Transportation, Inc. Throughout his career, Andy logged over 2.5 million miles, mostly in his beloved 1969 Peterbilt, “Miss Eileen”. In 1993, he retired from over-the-road driving to manage his company which expanded to a fleet of 30 trucks. More recently, Andy started another family business in 2006, The Depot-Mobil Gas Station of Forreston where he was extremely proud to contribute to the community. Andy’s reputation can be summed up by his belief, “I’ve always believed that if you really like doing something, you will put the extra effort into doing it well”.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Velma Anderson and sister Gloria Schniepp. He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Wayne (Carol) Anderson, daughter Tracey Anderson and Grandchildren Kaitlyn (Brad) Barker and Andrew Anderson Birkholz along with his faithful dog, Daisy.

The family wishes to thank FHN Hospice, Mike, Cindy, Steph, and Dawn for the compassionate care they provided Andy.

Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm Friday, May 12, 2023, at Burke-Tubbs, Forreston. Funeral will be 11am Saturday, May 13, 2023 at First United Methodist Church Forreston.

Andy will be truly missed.