Paul R. Anderson

Paul R. Anderson, 89, of Osco, passed away, Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 26, 2021, at St. Paul Lutheran Church 1001 9th St, Orion, IL 61273.  Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Orion.  Burial will be at Lutheran Cemetery, Orion.  Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Paul was born on February 6, 1932, in Moline, the son of Luther and Esther (Ekstrom) Anderson.  Paul was raised on the family farm near Orion, IL.  He farmed with his father until his marriage where Paul initiated custom baling in the Orion, IL vicinity.  Paul attended Orion High School graduating in 1950.  He enjoyed Industrial Arts excelling in woodworking.

He married Lillie M. Vinstrand on March 23, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Following their marriage, Paul farmed briefly in Cresco, IA.  They returned to Orion residing in his parent’s apartment building until they purchased their permanent home in Osco, IL.

Paul joined the Vinstrand garage in Osco as a mechanic.  Paul was a volunteer firefighter in Osco for many years.  Paul and Lillie operated a Shell gas station in Orion in the late 1960s.  From 1970 forward, they owned and operated Anderson Repair in Orion, for 51 years.  Paul was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.   He enjoyed playing 42, attending flea markets, square dancing, and tractor painting.

Paul and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling all 50 states.  He loved visiting family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Bruce Anderson, Vicki (Sam) Howard, Deb (Steve) Hyleck; and sister, Lorena (Melvin) Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Lillie.

Memories may be shared by visiting the tribute wall.