I should have done this sooner. Please forgive me.
Many of the Class of 1974 remember Eric very well. I hope everyone will see this before the 50th reunion and visit his guest book on Legacy. (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/erik-andersen-obituary?id=18628110#obituary)
Erik Gordon Andersen 1955-2017
Erik Gordon Andersen, 61, formally of Kenosha, passed away very unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home in Casa Grande, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2017.
Erik was born to William Gordon Andersen and Lillian Tavlum Andersen on Dec. 17, 1955. Raised and educated in Kenosha, Erik graduated from Tremper High School in 1974, and was continuing his education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside when he decided to move to Arizona in 1979.
Throughout his school years, Erik was always involved in the band scene. From elementary through high school and college, he performed with the school bands and jazz ensembles. He excelled on clarinet and was a phenomenal saxophone player. During the mid to late 70's, he also played in a local rock band named Syrinx as a saxophone player and lead singer. They later changed the name to Private Eye. The band was very popular around Wisconsin and played often in Illinois, and competed many times in Midwestern states Battle of the Bands competitions. Erik was a very accomplished singer and could perform a variety of different genres. His sax playing in a rock band was one of their biggest novelties. Erik was also on the Tremper gymnastics team while in high school. During these years, Erik worked a variety of jobs; including Marcs Big Boy, Paielli's Bakery, and MacWhytes.
Erik continued with his love for music after moving to Arizona playing and recording his music in private jam sessions with some of the local jazz and rock talent in Tempe, Ariz. His loving wife expresses that Erik loved to teach others and see the spark of understanding light up in their minds. He had the truest and most romantic soul and that was reflected right down to every stray cat that crossed his path and called his heart home. She also mentioned that he wrote daily but rarely published his political ideas as none were ever perfect enough for him. He was always saying we could do better. Being a perfectionist was a trait he got from his father. Another one of those inherited traits was a green thumb. He had a keen interest in gardening, and growing in his yard are several Australian Bottle trees that he started from seed. Another thing that he shared with his father was a love for fishing and in his younger years, camping.
At the time of his passing, Erik was employed in the IT Support Dept. of a large bank.
Erik is survived by his mother, Lillian of Kenosha; his adoring wife, who lost her Prince, Judy Kennedy Andersen of Casa Grande, Ariz., and his step-daughter, Vanessa Redmon of Arizona. He also leaves behind five siblings. Two older sisters, Cherryl Andersen of Racine, and Doreen (Gerald) Merfeld of Kenosha and three younger siblings, Mark (Quincey) Andersen, Linda (Alan) Hinds both of Kenosha, and Alan Andersen of Buford, Ga., along with many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Gordon Andersen; a nephew, William Tavlum Andersen; his grandparents, his beloved Dunne (Aunt), Birthe Beck of Copenhagen, Denmark and other loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his childhood/high school best friend Hans Ebert.
His wife also wanted to share that Erik's raison d'etre (most important reason or purpose for an existence) was his intellect, love of justice, integrity, and rational thought.
David Walker
I'm thinking about you today, old friend. I really miss you. Wish we could be at the 50th together.
David Walker
I should have done this sooner. Please forgive me.
Erik Gordon Andersen 1955-2017
Erik Gordon Andersen, 61, formally of Kenosha, passed away very unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home in Casa Grande, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2017.
Erik was born to William Gordon Andersen and Lillian Tavlum Andersen on Dec. 17, 1955. Raised and educated in Kenosha, Erik graduated from Tremper High School in 1974, and was continuing his education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside when he decided to move to Arizona in 1979.
Throughout his school years, Erik was always involved in the band scene. From elementary through high school and college, he performed with the school bands and jazz ensembles. He excelled on clarinet and was a phenomenal saxophone player. During the mid to late 70's, he also played in a local rock band named Syrinx as a saxophone player and lead singer. They later changed the name to Private Eye. The band was very popular around Wisconsin and played often in Illinois, and competed many times in Midwestern states Battle of the Bands competitions. Erik was a very accomplished singer and could perform a variety of different genres. His sax playing in a rock band was one of their biggest novelties. Erik was also on the Tremper gymnastics team while in high school. During these years, Erik worked a variety of jobs; including Marcs Big Boy, Paielli's Bakery, and MacWhytes.
Erik continued with his love for music after moving to Arizona playing and recording his music in private jam sessions with some of the local jazz and rock talent in Tempe, Ariz. His loving wife expresses that Erik loved to teach others and see the spark of understanding light up in their minds. He had the truest and most romantic soul and that was reflected right down to every stray cat that crossed his path and called his heart home. She also mentioned that he wrote daily but rarely published his political ideas as none were ever perfect enough for him. He was always saying we could do better. Being a perfectionist was a trait he got from his father. Another one of those inherited traits was a green thumb. He had a keen interest in gardening, and growing in his yard are several Australian Bottle trees that he started from seed. Another thing that he shared with his father was a love for fishing and in his younger years, camping.
At the time of his passing, Erik was employed in the IT Support Dept. of a large bank.
Erik is survived by his mother, Lillian of Kenosha; his adoring wife, who lost her Prince, Judy Kennedy Andersen of Casa Grande, Ariz., and his step-daughter, Vanessa Redmon of Arizona. He also leaves behind five siblings. Two older sisters, Cherryl Andersen of Racine, and Doreen (Gerald) Merfeld of Kenosha and three younger siblings, Mark (Quincey) Andersen, Linda (Alan) Hinds both of Kenosha, and Alan Andersen of Buford, Ga., along with many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Gordon Andersen; a nephew, William Tavlum Andersen; his grandparents, his beloved Dunne (Aunt), Birthe Beck of Copenhagen, Denmark and other loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his childhood/high school best friend Hans Ebert.
His wife also wanted to share that Erik's raison d'etre (most important reason or purpose for an existence) was his intellect, love of justice, integrity, and rational thought.
He will be greatly, greatly missed by many.