Leslie Michel "Mike" Anderson
March 17, 2020
Leslie (Mike) Anderson
A week after a perfect celebration of his 80th birthday on March 5 with his family, Mike passed away on March 17 after being sick for only one day.
Mike, known to some as Les, had an amazing life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in January 1958. He then attended Drake University while working at Meredith Publishing with his father. On his 23rd birthday he was drafted into the United States Army and became a Special Agent in the Counter-Intelligence Corps, stationed in Germany. He spent several memorable years with his military buddies, Roger, Max, and Okley. The stories of their adventures were captivating.
Upon return to civilian life, Mike spent the rest of his career working in the paper industry at Leslie Paper and Field Paper, from which he retired at the age of 74. For 43 years he was a cheerleader and supporter of Tandem Brick Gallery, which he owned with his wife.
Mike was a wonderful storyteller, a good secret-keeper, and adoring father and grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He was well-liked by everyone who met him.
Those left behind to miss him deeply are his wife of 40 years, Kathie, his daughter Lauran (Dan) Jordan, his grandsons, Eddie, Henry, and Jack, sister Helen (Chris) Kunkel, sisters-in-laws Carol (Don) Fouts, Joyce (Allen) McCoy, nephews and nieces, Jason (Liz), Justin (Daisy), Anna (Kenny), Caleb, and Hannah, his many close-knit cousins from Des Moines, and his best friend since childhood, Dr. Larry Smith of Chico, CA.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Margaret Anderson, and his nephew, Benjamin Kunkel.
Honoring Mike’s wishes, no services will be held.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob Cochran
03/27/2020
Kathie.
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I had cut his hair for over 45 years and really enjoyed our conversations whether it was his enjoyment of different foods or talking about our families. He was a great story teller and I will miss that.
Condolences to you your family
Bob Cochran at A Hair Ahead
Jeffery Alvestad
03/22/2020
I'm so sorry Kathie! May peace somehow be with you!
Robin Kline
03/22/2020
Dear dear Kathie, Bill and I are stunned and saddened to know about Mike's death. Holding you and your family, and everyone who loved him in our hearts for comfort. Your spoke so lovingly of him, so often. May his lively spirit remain with you all....everyone he touched in his rich life. Through your tears of grief and loss, we pray that there is also much laughter in sharing your memories. Big, big love from us, Robin & Bill
Rolf and Ute Marahrens, Germany
03/21/2020
Kathie and family,
we were so sorry, when Max told us of Mike's passing. He was a good friend during the time in germany. I have wonderful memories of Mike.
I'm so glad, that I could met him again on our visit to USA.
Got bless you
Ute and Rolf
Josh and Carrie Schwake
03/20/2020
Josh and I both send our deepest sympathy to the Anderson family during this difficult time. Mike had such an influence on us both. We will always cherish our memories of listening to Mike with an deep admiration for his storytelling abilities. Please reach out to us if you need anything. We both love and support you dearly. Sincerely, Josh and Carrie Schwake
Erica Hoffman
03/20/2020
We want to send our love and deepest sympathy to the Anderson family. Mike and Kathie are very dear to our family. Here in Tucson we feel a great loss. We grieve for Kathie and Lauren as well. Please know we love you and care for you. Josh looks forward to giving Kathie a big hug soon.
With all our love,
Erica and the family
Nick Miller
03/19/2020
Lauran and Kathie - so sorry to get this news. Glad to know Mike many years ago. Hope you are comforted by family and friends at this tough time. -- Nick
Sarah Black
03/19/2020
Kathie and Lauren I am so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was such a wonderful man and I will always cherish my fond memories of him. We will be praying for you and everyone who called him family and friend. Please know we are here for you and hope to see you very soon Kathie. Love you!!!
Lori VanBuskirk
03/19/2020
Kathie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great mentor here at Field Paper Co. due to his extensive experience in the field. I so miss seeing him on a daily basis, he had the funniest sense of humor and he thought I was funny too!!! The world has lost a great man. I am wishing you all peace.
Max Edwards
03/19/2020
Kathie, Lauren and family. I am so very sorry and extend my deepest sympathies. I got out our wedding annual as Mike was my best man and I wanted to again remember so many wonderful memories of Mike and our time in Germany together. I will stay in touch and may Got bless you.
Vallery Griffis
03/19/2020
Kathie, Lauren, and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. I shall lift you in prayer and ask God to strengthen your family as you adjust to life without Mike. I shall touch base with you soon.
Okley Gibbs
03/19/2020
I was saddened to hear of Mikes passing. He was a special guy and I will particularly always remember his drawl sense of humor. Please look us up if you ever get to Omaha.
Okley and KATIE GIBBS
Alan Christiansen
03/19/2020
My codolences to Kathy, Lauren and family.
Mike was a great neighbor and I shall miss our wonderful backyard talks about gardening.
Rest in Peace, Mike.