Christopher D. "Pastor Chris" Anderson's Obituary
Christopher D. Anderson, died peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024 after a long battle against cancer. He was born September 27, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to Eskil and Grace (Beyer) Anderson. On June 22, 1974, he married Barbara Ann Maule in Traverse City, MI. Pastor Chris spent nearly 50 years as an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American. He was currently a member of Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church. Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara A. Anderson; 2 children, Katherine Marie Anderson, Erik Francis Anderson; 1 grandson, Anthony Scott Anderson; 1 brother, Craig (Linda) Anderson; 1 sister, Susan (Kevin) Marrinan; his mother-in-law, Joan Maule; 2 sisters-in-law, Patricia Ann Edge, Debra Kae Reed; 2 brothers-in-law, William Charles Maule, David Michael Maule; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Charles William Maule; 1 sister-in-law, Gail Marie Maule; and 1 brother-in-law David E. Edge.
He was a graduate of Willam Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA. He received a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on 5/17/1975.
He received a Doctor of Ministry on March 29, 1990 from the Graduate Theological Foundation. He continued his love of learning by receiving a Master in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Gratz College on June 14, 2020.
Pastor Anderson was ordained by the Metropolitan New York Synod on June 20, 1975. He served St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northumberland, PA; Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI; Hope Lutheran Church in Marlette, MI and Samuel Lutheran Church in Muskegon, MI. Upon his retirement in 2006, he continued to serve in the Muskegon area as a chaplain at Mercy Hospital and Mercy VNS & Hospice Services, and as a pastor at St. Lukes Lutheran Church, St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church.
While serving in Marlette, MI, he was instrumental in founding the first rural hospice program in Michigan after organizing end of life care for a child of the congregation.
In 1995, a Shoah Commemoration service was led by Pastor Chris Anderson and Rabbi Alan Alpert at Samuel Lutheran Church in Muskegon to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of the only remaining death camp, Auschwitz, and the many concentration camps spread throughout northern Europe and the murder of six million Jews and five million others. This became an annual event which then led to the formation of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies – Muskegon, which has a rich tradition of providing educational programs for West Michigan citizens.
Pastor Anderson lived his faith. He had a lifelong love for his family and the church. He also loved learning, baking bread, photography, mentoring young people, teaching, socializing with old friends, making new friends, reading, fishing, traveling and laughing. He will be truly missed.
A Service of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Samuel Lutheran Church, 540 Houston Ave, Muskegon, MI. The service will be preceded by 1 hour of visitation at the church, 10:00-11:00 AM Wednesday.
The service for Pastor Anderson will be live streamed, and you can get to it by following this link: https://youtube.com/live/dNhDSLT4j7Q?feature=share
If there is any issue with the live stream, the service will be recorded and will be availbale online a couple hours after the service by following this link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqfOsJcuHsC-Mx36oG5hQA
Memorial Contributions may be directed to Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies – Muskegon.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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