Gregory Alan Anderson “Greg” passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. He won a lengthy battle against cancer and was sleeping in his lay-z-boy recliner at his time of death.
He was born on February 1st, 1958 to Merlin and Lenora Mae Anderson (Possehl). He attended Central Community School for all of his school years graduating in the class of 1976 along with high school sweetheart that he went on to marry. Greg married Dawn Larson Anderson on February 21st, 1976. Greg passed away 4 days before their 50th wedding anniversary. Greg and Dawn have a son Travis and a daughter Melinda.
Greg was known as a hard-working boy and man by his family and his friends. He learned a work ethic growing up on the family farm that he moved to at 5 years old. He grew up with his older brother Mike and his younger brother Danny. Greg helped many farmers in the neighborhood with farm work. He worked at the lumber yard out of high school and later joined Bossard Construction until he started Anderson Construction. Greg was known for his attention to detail, quality of work and his ability to create a home from the dirt to the shingles. He was a start to finish contractor often working 7 days a week and only taking time off to deer hunt with the old neighborhood group. Greg started on the Elkader Fire Department in 1977 and retired after 45 years as a volunteer fire fighter. Greg was a volunteer that set an example for others to follow. He was the definition of a hard-working good man. He considered his good friends to be his family.
Greg was passionate about his family history, the history of the community and being able to stay connected with social media. He found enjoyment in educating himself and being able to tell the stories to others. Greg was a father figure to hundreds of young children that were raised at Dawn’s Daycare, he bonded with them instantly. For being a big tall guy, the tiny little kids could not wait for him to visit.
Greg is survived by his loving wife Dawn, his son Travis Anderson and daughter in law Tammy, his daughter Melinda Anderson Nelson and son in law Chad, his brothers Mike (Donna) Anderson of Elkader and Danny (Kathy) Anderson of Pine Island, Minnesota and his mother-in- law Rita Larson of Elkader as well as many other family members and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Merlin and Lenora Mae Anderson and his father-in-law Donnie Larson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1 pm – 5 pm at the Elkader Fire Station in Elkader, Iowa, where there will be a Last Call and Last Ride at 4 pm. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkader, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.