Marlow "Andy" Anderson

Marlow “Andy” J Anderson, age 87, passed away at home on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Marlow was born in East Chain, MN, on June 26, 1936, the son of Otis and Alice (Nyquist) Anderson. In 1955 he graduated from Austin High in Minnesota. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Agriculture from the University of Nebraska in 1960. On December 15, 1961 he married Sharron A. Moomey in Omaha, Nebraska who grew up in Alliance Nebraska.

Marlow grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota. He was involved in FFA and raised Poland China hogs, in which he won many awards at local and state fairs. While in high school, he worked part time at the Hormel Institute for Dr. George Young. Upon graduation Dr. Young took his research to the University of Nebraska and asked Marlow to attend college to help continue the research. While in college, he sold pots and pans, china, silverware, and cutlery in order to pay his way through college.

After college he continued in Sales and Management for Thomson Hayward and then with Stauffer Chemical Company. Moving from Omaha, Nebraska to Davenport, Iowa to Springfield, Illinois to Rockford in 1974 when he was promoted to District Manager. In 1983, Marlow started Andy’s Professional Landscaping. In the early 90’s, Marlow passed the boards and received his Real Estate license. This allowed for Andy’s to grow into a respectful landscaping company serving Northern Illinois. In 2013, Marlow retired and his daughter, Amy Gehrke, purchased the business to continue his legacy.

Marlow was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where he served as a head usher, attended bible study and was always there to lend a helping hand. He was an active member of the YMCA Retired Men’s Club and the Alpine Kiwanis Club of Rockford, where he volunteered for many years. He always enjoyed brat days and even recruited his grandkids to help. Marlow was a lifetime member of the University of Nebraska Alumni Club and was an avid fan of Nebraska football, as well as the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Bulls. Marlow will be remembered by everyone that he never met a stranger, his willingness to always help others, and the love of playing card games.

Those left to honor Marlow’s memory include his wife, Sheri Anderson; children, Dr. Kevin (Susan) Anderson, Derek (Debbie) Anderson and Amy (Jeff) Gehrke; grandchildren, Dustin (Mandy) Khaffaji, Jeanie (James) Ballen, Tim (Tisha) Lauden, Taylor and Chayce Anderson, Jordan and Matthew Anderson, Alexander (Jada) Gehrke, Logan and Zoe Gehrke; many great-grandchildren; sister, Marlys (Wally) Charlson and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Joanne Estebo.

The family would like to give special thanks to Unity Hospice and their staff for the kindness and care provided during their time with Marlow.

Memorial visitation will be 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. The burial will conclude in Arlington Memorial Park, Rockford, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marlow’s name to St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.