Joseph Anderson
April 13, 1936 — March 25, 2025
Joe Anderson, 88, of Woolstock died Tuesday. March 25, 2025. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Webster City with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the services.
Joe Lee Anderson was born on April 13, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Clarence and Mildred (Mil) Anderson. His early years were marked by moves across the country—from Texas to Michigan to Maryland—before the family returned to their roots in Woolstock, Iowa. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country and began a lifetime of commitment to service and community.
After his honorable discharge, Joe explored a variety of hardworking roles—including farm hand, corn sheller, Gypsum Mill worker, and truck driver—before finding his greatest calling as a family man and farmer. On September 12, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mildred (Millie) Marie Evans, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Webster City. Together, they built a beautiful life on the farm and welcomed their daughter, Joan Marie, in 1968.
Joe served on the Board of Directors of the Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association, and as Board Director of Prairie Energy Coop for 27 years. He was an active and dedicated member of the American Legion, taking on numerous leadership roles throughout the years. His deep Catholic faith guided him daily—he was a regular at daily Mass, a joyful participant in the Thomas Aquinas Elementary School "Prayer Partner" program, and a committed member of the funeral committee, serving his community faithfully until just weeks before his passing.
Above all, Joe was a family man. He was a steady and loving presence in the lives of those who knew him—a constant source of support, wisdom, and care. He lovingly tended to his wife Millie through her health struggles, always by her side with unmatched devotion. He was immensely proud of the family they built together, and his love extended generously to his wife, daughter, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe's legacy is one of quiet strength, humility, and deep love. He touched countless lives with his warmth and generosity. His absence will be deeply felt by those who knew him. We are forever grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him. Joe’s family takes comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Millie in the arms of the Lord he served so faithfully.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Joan (Mark) Bettle; his four grandchildren, Austin (Kendall) Bettle, Derrick (Amy) Bettle, Collin Bettle, and Joe Bettle; his great-granddaughter, Evelyn Bettle; his sister Jane Schroder; his sisters-in-law, Beverly Anderson and Betty Evans and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie in 2020; his parents; brothers, Jim Anderson and John Anderson and brothers-in-law, Chuck Schroder and Gerald Evans.
Joe Lee Anderson was born on April 13, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Clarence and Mildred (Mil) Anderson. His early years were marked by moves across the country—from Texas to Michigan to Maryland—before the family returned to their roots in Woolstock, Iowa. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country and began a lifetime of commitment to service and community.
After his honorable discharge, Joe explored a variety of hardworking roles—including farm hand, corn sheller, Gypsum Mill worker, and truck driver—before finding his greatest calling as a family man and farmer. On September 12, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mildred (Millie) Marie Evans, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Webster City. Together, they built a beautiful life on the farm and welcomed their daughter, Joan Marie, in 1968.
Joe served on the Board of Directors of the Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association, and as Board Director of Prairie Energy Coop for 27 years. He was an active and dedicated member of the American Legion, taking on numerous leadership roles throughout the years. His deep Catholic faith guided him daily—he was a regular at daily Mass, a joyful participant in the Thomas Aquinas Elementary School "Prayer Partner" program, and a committed member of the funeral committee, serving his community faithfully until just weeks before his passing.
Above all, Joe was a family man. He was a steady and loving presence in the lives of those who knew him—a constant source of support, wisdom, and care. He lovingly tended to his wife Millie through her health struggles, always by her side with unmatched devotion. He was immensely proud of the family they built together, and his love extended generously to his wife, daughter, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe's legacy is one of quiet strength, humility, and deep love. He touched countless lives with his warmth and generosity. His absence will be deeply felt by those who knew him. We are forever grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him. Joe’s family takes comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Millie in the arms of the Lord he served so faithfully.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Joan (Mark) Bettle; his four grandchildren, Austin (Kendall) Bettle, Derrick (Amy) Bettle, Collin Bettle, and Joe Bettle; his great-granddaughter, Evelyn Bettle; his sister Jane Schroder; his sisters-in-law, Beverly Anderson and Betty Evans and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie in 2020; his parents; brothers, Jim Anderson and John Anderson and brothers-in-law, Chuck Schroder and Gerald Evans.
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