Brian L. Anderson
March 1, 1961 - November 28, 2019
Brian Lee Anderson, 58, of Fremont, NE, passed away on Thursday, November 28th, 2019 peacefully at his home.
Brian was born in Omaha, NE to Ronald and Sheila Anderson March 1st, 1961. The family moved to Tekamah, NE in 1965 and he graduated from Tekamah-Herman High School in 1979. He married Julie Hellerich on December 20th, 1980. Their daughter, Nicole Marie, was born in 1981 and their son, Christopher Dean was born in 1982. He graduated from Hastings College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music. Brian worked as a band director in Milford and Albion prior to becoming the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Fremont High School (FHS) in 1988, where he taught for the next 28 years. He earned a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1990 and his PhD in 2003. On July 22nd, 2011 he married Krista (Rosenthal) Kjeldgaard and added two stepchildren, Trevor and Marlee, to his family. He retired from FHS in 2016. He was recently inducted into the Nebraska Music Education Association Music Educators Hall of Fame on the 22nd of November, 2019.
Brian enlisted into the Nebraska Army National Guard on January 25th, 1988 as a saxophone player. After graduating Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, MO, Brian proudly served with the 43rd Army Band in Lincoln, NE eventually being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2004, he graduated Warrant Officer Candidate School in Ft. Rucker, AL, after which he received his Commission and was appointed Commander of the 43rd Army Band. In his 31 years of service, Brian directed performances all over the United States and in Germany. He received numerous individual and unit awards including the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation's George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence. Brian received the Legion of Merit on June 29th, 2019, the highest peacetime honor a soldier can receive. Brian attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four in the Nebraska Army National Guard.
Brian was preceded in death by grandparents Dean and Norma Anderson and Bill and Bernice Lydick; uncles Lyle Anderson, Delwin Anderson and Jim Lydick.
Brian is survived by his wife Krista, daughter Nicole, son Christopher, his parents Ronald and Sheila Anderson, brothers Bruce (Shelly) Anderson and Brett (Joanie) Anderson, 4 nieces, 2 nephews and 2 great-nephews, stepson Trevor Kjeldgaard, stepdaughter Marlee Kjeldgaard and his beloved dog, Shatzi.
Memorials may be directed to the Dr. Brian L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (c/o Fremont Area Community Foundation indicate "Dr. A. Scholarship" in Special Notes section), the Omaha Symphony or the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, NE.
Visitation will be Friday, December 6th at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel (1249 E. 23rd) in Fremont with the family receiving friends from 4pm to 8pm.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 7, 2:00 pm at the Fremont High School Auditorium (1750 N. Lincoln, Fremont, NE) with Father Mark McKercher officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be at a later date.
***** Please park in the south parking lot for entry into the auditorium *******
The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to family and friends for the continuous love and support. A special thank you to the oncology team of Dr. Kelsey Klute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Buffett Cancer Center and the caring staff of Amedysis Hospice.
Although our hearts are heavy and our grief profound, we take comfort in knowing we are not alone, for Brian touched so many lives and his legacy will continue for years to come.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
|
