Eugene Howard Anderson Jr

Eugene "Gene" Howard Anderson Jr., 55, of Sioux City passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, ending his courageous battle with cancer.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Morningside Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes.
Gene was born in Omaha, Neb., and raised in Sioux City. Gene grew up in a loving family surrounded by his four sisters, who taught him to be the patient listener with whom many others eventually found solace and an open door. As a teen, Gene started out sweeping the floors of his family’s business, All Power. Upon graduating high school, he started working full-time at All Power, and remained with the company for 40 years (until his death), becoming the president in 2004. During his time at All Power, Gene inspired company loyalty through hard work and dedication. The lengthy tenure of his employees is a testament to his compassion and leadership.
Gene met the love of his life, Anne, while they were classmates at Sioux City East High School. They were married in 1980, and their enduring love is reflected in their three beautiful children, Katy Hollenkamp and husband, Schad of Sioux City; his son, Andrew Anderson of Denver, Colo.; and his daughter, Abby Anderson of Sioux City, and her special friend, Ben Rickord, as well as his grandchildren who brought him great joy and happiness, Scarlett "Teenie" (4) and Lola "Curly Belle" (10 months). Gene anchored their lives while giving them the freedom and courage to explore the world.
Gene’s endless curiosity and love of the outdoors led him to be an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. A lover of a good time, his warmth, hospitality, and laughter became the recipe for many great times. He was a familiar face in Okoboji, where he grew up spending summers with family and friends. Gene was also a longtime member of the Covington Men’s Golf League with his lifelong friend, Kelly Renfro.
To his family, friends and colleagues, Gene gave without question. His life was rich with love and tradition.
Gene is also survived by his parents, Eugene and Lola Anderson of Sioux City; his sister, Vickie Kirk of Sioux City; his sister, Beckie Fick (Ed) of Sioux City; his sister, Jamie Rager of Sioux City; and his sister, Stacy Hildahl (Darin) of Sioux City.
Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents; his brother-in-law, Dennis Kirk; and his uncle, Jim Tucker.
Honorary pallbearers include Larry Chapman, Steve Fleckenstein, Wayne Mercural, Mike Murphy, Kelly Renfro, Jay Severson, Darin Hildahl and the late Jim Tucker.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Siouxland for their exceptional care and all of those who offered support to the family during their difficult time. Flowers can be sent to Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel.