Born in Chicago, Al was the eldest son of Algot Widar Sanderson and Helen Thurston Jennings Sanderson. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother, Roland Sanderson of Berkeley, California. Al’s Rockford family also included his half-siblings, Herbert, Frances (Salen), Albert, and Dorothy (Trank) Jennings.
After attending schools in Rockford and Chicago and High School in California, Al enlisted in the Army in 1954. He served in the 8th Army in Incheon, South Korea as a Clerk Specialist.
Al married the love of his life, Judith (Judy) Carol Sanderson in 1962. Heaven gained her just 4 months before Al’s passing having just celebrated 60 years together.
Al and Judy’s children include Son, Robert (Amy) Sanderson, Daughters Karen Sanderson, Laura (Gavin) Rittmeyer, and Ida (Lee) Sanderson-Eads. Al had 10 grandchildren: Abby Sanderson, David (Abby) Sanderson, Katie Jo (Ryan) Oliver, Derrick Tripp, Jordan (Kjelse) Rittmeyer, Josiah (Colleen) Rittmeyer, Nathanael (Kristy) Rittmeyer, Lydia (Kyle) Figlmiller, Bailey (Nick) Huftalin, and Carter Sanderson-Eads, and had 15 great grandchildren.
Al was known for loving his family through provision and having an incredible work ethic. Al’s faith was in his Lord Jesus Christ, and early on, attended Harlem Road Christian Church in Loves Park, IL.
Al held many jobs throughout his life including concrete work, millwright, railroad, welder, and was a long time employee of General Motors in Janesville, WI. Al enjoyed dogs, fishing, the Rock River, movies, westerns, watching boxing, being a prankster, going to the fairs, eating popcorn, traveling, listening to Andrea Bocelli, The Gaithers, telling stories of his childhood days and sharing what he experienced in Korea. What Al loved the most was spending time with his wife, Judy, raising his family on his small farm in Caledonia, IL, and putzing around.
Al was a proud veteran and wore his military hat and jacket often and tended to draw a lot of thankful attention for his service. Al frequented his favorite spots to eat which included Johnny Pamcakes, Cherry Valley Cafe, and Alpine Diner. It was not unusual for the fine people of Rockford to buy his meal at times he ate alone. You know who you are, thank you!
Many thanks to the caring staff and excellent and loving nursing staff at Generations Neighbors in Byron, IL, and Serenity Hospice in Oregon, Il.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am July 13th, 2024 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, IL. Immediately following will be a burial service at Willwood, (same address) for both Judith Sanderson and for Algert Sanderson (with military honors).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. To donate by check, please add on note: “In memory of Algert Sanderson”and send to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Checks should be made payable to “Alzheimer's Foundation of America.”Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
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