Alan L. Anderson

Alan L. Anderson, 63, of Roanoke, IL passed away at 7:40 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at his residence.

He was born on February 5, 1959, in Berkeley, CA, to Warren D. and Barbara (Frye) Anderson.  He married Joyce McMenamin on June 7, 1980 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce of Roanoke; children, Matthew (Liz) Anderson of Jackson, MI, Colleen (Andrew) Beebe of Sycamore, IL, Tom Anderson of St. Louis, MO, and Beth (John Paul) Cook of Washington, IL; nine grandchildren; siblings, Warren Anderson, Jr. of Medford, OR, Lyn Stewart of Austin, TX, and Mike Anderson of Bedford, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Alan spent most of his time as a religious education teacher at St. Joseph’s in Roanoke, St. Mary’s in Metamora and Chesterton Academy of the Sacred Heart in Peoria. He also passionately worked for the Diocese of Peoria in the role of Regional Director of Religious Education and served on the Fulton Sheen Endowment Board.

Alan enjoyed writing various articles on culture, politics, and most importantly faith. He was published in numerous publications including Catholic World Report, Crisis Magazine, and Homiletics and Pastoral Review.

His love of teaching began with his children and his wife, who he viewed as his proudest accomplishments, and extended to his grandchildren and all of those surrounding him. His spirit of joy captured those around him with his booming voice and tremendous laugh. With a bourbon and cigar, he loved to share his wealth of knowledge with people of all ages from the youngest child to the elderly in the nursing home. As he would have said “Pax Christi.”

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora, IL with Father Ryan Mattingly officiating.  Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the church with visitation to be held following from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Chesterton Academy of Sacred Heart, 4020 North Brandywine Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 or Illinois Cancer Care, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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