John Thomas Anderson Jr., 79, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in his home.  Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Burial will be in Cedar Memorial Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2017 at Brosh Chapel.

John was born December 23, 1937 in Cedar Rapids, the son of John T. and Emma (Kudrna) Anderson. He graduated from Wilson High School, class of 1956.  John earned a Physical Education degree from Coe College.  While at Coe, he wrestled and was an All-American tackle, and had the opportunity to play professional for the Eagles and Bears.  Instead, he served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis from 1961-1963.  John was united in marriage to Joyce Lamparek on June 18, 1961 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.  He worked at United Fire and Casualty as a claims adjuster/vice-president for more than 41 years, retiring in 2006.  John enjoyed fishing, building and flying experimental airplanes and watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He was an active member of the Prairie School Foundation, College Community School Board - serving as President. He was also active in Kiwanis, Jaycees and the National Czech Slovak Museum and Library.  He was a youth football and baseball coach, and a pilot for Young Eagles EAA (program for children's first flight).

John is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter Heidi (Todd) Hadley of Ames; his son John (Marie Strilich) Anderson of Swisher; three grandchildren Jordan Vargason, Haleigh Hadley and John T. Anderson V, Josh (Sarah) Vargason, Mariah Vargason, and Nora Vargason; his brother Jim (Jan) Anderson of Shueyville ; brother-in-law Niles Gardemann of Cedar Rapids; sister-in law Judith Lanum of Roanoke, Virginia, as well as his nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Diane Gardemann, and a brother-in-law John Lanum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Rapids Kiwanis, Prairie School Foundation and/or Coe College in his name.