Ted D. Anderson

Teddy Dale Anderson, 77, of Colona, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Colona United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Dayton Corners Cemetery, Colona, IL.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to the following in Ted’s honor: Colona United Methodist Church, 1709 Cleveland Road, Colona, IL, 61241, Colona Food Pantry 215 1st Avenue, Colona, IL, 61241, and Rebuilding Together Henry County PO Box 254 Geneseo, IL 61254.  Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Ted was born December 10, 1947, the son of Lester and Jessie (Berkley) Anderson, in Rock Island, IL.  He graduated from United Township High School in 1966 and Black Hawk College in 1968. On May 17, 1969, Ted married the love of his life, Shari Rokis. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Outside of his time spent with family, Ted was an engineer at Kone for more than forty years, retiring in 2013.

Ted was a devoted husband of 55 years, an engaged father to his two sons, and a compassionate, caring individual, always ready to lend a hand with his many talents. As a skilled carpenter, he built multiple homes for his family. Ted loved the outdoors, enjoying long walks and bike rides. His love for classic cars and the excitement of enduro motorcycle racing in his younger years showcased his adventurous spirit. Ted’s lifelong hobby of “wrenching” on cars led to him owning more than 60 cars during his lifetime. 

A long-time member of the Colona United Methodist Church, Ted's life was enriched by his faith and love for his family. In his later years, he cherished attending his grandchildren's activities and weekend car shows with his brother. He also dedicated his time to Rebuilding Together, constructing ramps to improve the lives of those in need.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Shari; children, Christopher (Roseann) Anderson of Geneseo, and Nick (Amy) Anderson of Port Byron; grandchildren, Jordan (Abby) Anderson, Kayla (Zac) Olson, and Lauren Anderson; one great-grandchild on the way; brother,  Bob (Lindy) Anderson of Colona; sister, Debbie (Bruce) Beintema of Geneseo; brother-in-law, Tony (Debbie) Rokis; sisters-in-law, JoAnne Hillman and Sandy (Ed) Skelton; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and special friends Pat and Rick Haney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Jessie Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Dale Hillman and Leslie Rokis.