James M. Anderson "Andy", 88, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side.

Andy was born July 30, 1935 in Rochester, MN to Arnold and Helen (Mrachek) Anderson. He was a 1954 graduate of Rochester High School. After graduating, Andy proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Andy was honorably discharged and returned to Rochester, where he worked at the gas company, Mayo and also sold insurance. On November 11, 1959, Andy was united in marriage to Gretchen Dale at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Andy and Gretchen started the family business in 1967, Anderson Wheelchair and continued to work there well into their retirement. Andy was honored as Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1971. Throughout his life, Andy had a passion for advocating and helping others with physical disabilities. He was integral in working with legislation in Rochester and Minnesota for obtaining curb cutouts for wheelchair accessibility. Andy was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and past President of SEMCIL. He also had a love of hockey, from playing in high school, coaching youth hockey and watching all of his grandchildren play. Andy also enjoyed hunting, especially pheasant hunting, traveling with Gretchen to Hawaii, taking cruises to Alaska or to the Caribbean. He had a witty sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. Andy was generous with his time in helping others overcome their physical disabilities but above all, he mostly loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Andy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gretchen; children, Kim (Steve) Forliti and Jay (Kim) Anderson; grandchildren, Nick (Megan) Forliti, Andrew (Nikki) Forliti, Tyler (Alyssa) Anderson, and Drew Anderson; great-grandchildren, Logan and Chloe Forliti, Connor and Easton Forliti and by his brother-in-law, Dick (Kathy) Dale. Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Newman.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12 ^th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Father John Forliti will be officiating with burial at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or to Hiawatha Homes. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com