WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Jerry "Yeds" Anderson, 77, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau, Wisconsin, with his beloved family at his side.

Jerry was born on Feb. 15, 1947, in Wakefield, a son of Wally and Verna (Schult) Anderson.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was in the 101st Airborne Division. At one time, he was a supporting member of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11.

On May 19, 1973, Jerry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Toni-Ann Randall, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. They were blessed with four children.

As a young man, Jerry played hockey and was good at it. He and his brother, James "Hummo," formed the Gogebic Chief's Hockey program and for many years Jerry coached it.

Yeds was an avid outdoorsman and absolutely loved fishing, hunting, camping and cooking. He was the happiest when he was going to his Howta Camp. Family and friends were the center of Jerry's life. Yeds was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan since its inception.

In earlier years, he and his brother, Hummo, and their business partners owned and operated Superior Tree Service. In later years, Yeds was the owner and operator of Anderson Trucking.

Jerry is survived by his wonderful wife of nearly 51 years, Toni-Ann; four children, Jeremy (Stefanie), Tiffany (Bruce) Dale, Torrina (Red) Richards and Johnathan; 11 grandchildren, Harmony, Ty, Trevor, Trooper, KK, Gianna, Anderson, Lincoln, Toriann, Annabelle and Blake; a sister, Gail Anderson Thompson; two sisters-in-law, Lorrene Kohnhorst and Gloria Randall; three brothers-in-law, Gerard (Lorrie) Randall, Rick Randall and Norman Petkac; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James "Hummo" (Carol); two sisters, Ruthie (Roy) Sand and Darlene Petkac; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Anna-Marie Randall; and two brothers-in-law, Bernard "Benny" Randall and John Kohnhorst.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, May 1, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Brian Gerber as celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A luncheon will be served at the American Legion Geroux Post 11, 605 River St., in Wakefield, immediately following the military honors.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.