Gerald E. Anderson, age 84, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016 at his residence. Gerald "Jerry" Anderson was born October 6, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska the son of Gordon E. and Helen (Ashe) Anderson. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 1950, Wentworth Military Academy in 1952, and Colorado A & M in 1955. Jerry served in the United States Army in 1956 and continued in the Reserves. He was discharged as 1st Lieutenant. After his military service, Jerry moved to the family ranch in Thedford, Nebraska and later moved back to Red Oak, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Mary Anne Edmund on February 19, 1961 in Red Oak, Iowa. Jerry was very active in the agricultural and cattle business for many years owning the family business, Flying A Cattle Company located in Red Oak, Iowa, Thedford, Nebraska, and Hyannis, Nebraska. He had major ownership and was the President of Prairie States Cattle Company in Alliance, Nebraska in the 1970's and 1980's. He had major ownership and was Chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Paonia, Colorado; Security State Bank in Stanton and Red Oak, Iowa; Oakland State Bank in Oakland, Iowa; and Onawa State Bank in Onawa, Iowa. Dumb Bell Ranch in Hyannis, Nebraska has been in the family since 1906. Flying A Cattle Company became a Century Farm in 1985. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1961. Jerry spent many years practicing excellent conservation efforts and was awarded Conservationist of the year in 1995 and Aksarben Court of Honor Award in Agriculture in 2002. Jerry was also involved in many other organizations including: Sigma Chi Fraternity; Mills-Montgomery County Cattleman's Association serving as President; Past Director of the Iowa Beef Improvement Association; a charter member of the National Cattleman's Beef Association; Colorado State University Development Council; Broken Bow, Nebraska Elks Lodge; and was very supportive of the Boy Scouts of America. Community service and involvement began at an early age for Jerry and has continued throughout his life. He has served in communities in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, and on national boards.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother: Ed Anderson. Survivors include his wife: Mary Anne Anderson of Red Oak, Iowa; children: Anne Anderson Bennett of Red Oak, Iowa and Gordon Anderson of Carr, Colorado; grandchildren: Margaret and Leatha Bennett of Red Oak, Iowa; cousins; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held 4 PM Monday, October 17, 2016 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with Pastor Caryn Pedersen officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a time of continued celebration and visitation with the family at the home of Anne Anderson Bennett. Interment with Military Honors will be held 4 PM Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Thedford, Nebraska. A memorial fund is being established in Jerry's name.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.