Greg Anderson, a great man!  I should not tell this, I know Greg felt bad that day. 
 Hello my name is Jay Sowden. My brother Paul and I are stagehands. That is how we met both Greg and Ryan. Greg had a wealth of knowledge and I for one appreciate the things he taught me. 
  There was a day at the civic center, there were a good number of us working that day. Normal day, mid morning we went to break. There was a smell of smoke in the ait and had been increasing as the day went on. Everyone was concerned and looking for the source. Naturally we don't want the place to burn down. I mean everyone was wondering and keeping an eye out for any sign of fire. 
   Well came to be lunch time and still no source found. Nick Ramono was starting to get a little anxious and worried. Nothing was found to be burning, not in the structure anyway. Greg was a type of guy that he would not throw any litter on the ground inside nor out. Greg was smoking at that time. Again I have a lot of respect and admiration for Greg.  
  We can all smile about this now, thankfully no one was hurt physically.  Greg was done with his smoke and rather than putting it out and throwing the but away, he put it out, or atheist thought he had. Then he just put it in the pocket of his jacket. Turned out that it was still smoldering, for hours, no flames just embers and smoke. His jacket was hanging on a hook where he alway hung it. No one could tell nor even thought the smoke smell was coming from his jacket. Not until later on when Greg was putting jacket on to go out. 
 There was a bit of a fire that day, unfortunately the only thing that was burnt / lost was Greg's personal jacket.  That could happen to anyone. Later we were talking and he told me about his jacket and I know he was a bit embarrassed and felt bad about such a thing happening. He told on himself and that stuck in my mind for one reason. 
IT TAKES ONE HELL OF A GOOD GUY TO TELL OTHERS, Yea it was me I messed up! 
Greg, my friend, God's speed

Greg was working at the Civic Center when I first came to Des Moines to dance with Ballet Iowa and we became friends who enjoyed working together when the Ballet performed there.

Later, when I staged Party Scene for Iowa Dance Theatre's Nutcracker, Mary Joyce Lind had hired him to design and make the sets and drops for that scene so we collaborated again and again and... again. It was always a joy to see Greg in his element... making live theater work.

I suspect whenever we feel a shiver or shed a tear when watching live theater Greg will be smiling from above.

~Elizabeth (Beth) Harano Adams

Greg, Kathy & in younger years, Ryan and Marcie have been my neighbors for many years.  I could not have asked for nicer neighbors.  Greg was never big talker to me but when he said something it was with a very funny dry wit.  If it snowed, here would come Greg with his snowblower, I never needed to ask, he would just show up and tell me it wasn't a big deal.  It was a VERY big deal!
We love our pets, and I adored their dog Penny, who made many trips to my yard always followed by Greg with a cleanup bag.
Andersons had a beautiful gray cat, Scooters.  I love cats but Scoots hated me and would stalk me as I walked by & then chase me out of their yard.  I was a bit scared of Scoots, but Greg thought it was hysterical!
I enjoyed our easy-going laid-back friendship.  He is sorely going to be missed by so many, me included.  I hope he is fishing now or doing what he loves with Penny & Scooters by his side.

Condolences.

Theatre  in college days.

Greg and I reconnected when he helped me rebuilt my first Victorian house in Isanti MN from the inside out. We djd redesign. He did the real build work. I did supply runs and assistant.  No problem he could not solve or build around. 

Found a still under the stairs he rebuilt.

 We worked real hard for months and did not hurt each other. Played and 'relaxed' hard too. May have had a drink or two more than necessary. And other indulgences.

The Work was good enough they lifted it and moved it onto their lot plan, Rather than demolishing it. Still stands proud.

Well done sir. One more legacy.

Greg at left as Teach in American Buffalo, at Southwest State in 1982

Greg at left with the cast and crew of American Buffalo, at Southwest State in 1982

Greg as Willie in Southwest State University's production of The Sunshine Boys, 1981

Greg center as Willie in Southwest State University's production of The Sunshine Boys, 1981

Greg at right as Willie in Southwest State University's production of The Sunshine Boys, 1981

Greg at right with fellow cast members of Southwest State University's production of Picnic, 1976

Greg at right as Hal in Southwest State University's production of Picnic, 1976

Greg at center as Petruchio in a scene from The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare Southwest touring show, 1976

Greg as Petruchio in a scene from The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare Southwest touring show, 1976

Greg at left as Petruchio in a scene from The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare Southwest touring show, 1976

Greg as Bottom playing Pyramus in a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare Southwest touring show, 1976

Greg in foreground as Judge Hathorne, and also the scenic designer for SMSC's 'The Crucible' in 1973

Greg at right as King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress at SMSC in 1972

Greg in rehearsal as King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress at SMSC in 1972

Greg was part of the nationally recognized cast of Southwest Minnesota State College's  'The Scarecrow' in 1971

I just thought of another story. It was many years ago. You were all still living in the trailer in Huxley. I came and spent the night because I was flying out of Des Moines to go to Texas. I left my car with your parents. Greg used it to drive me to the airport. That was one of the scariest rides I've ever taken in a car. He was speeding and following cars on their bumpers down the interstate. I thought he was gonna kill us both. All I could do was pray. I was so relieved to finally get to the airport. I remember hoping Kathy would pick me up on my return flight. It was Greg. I just prayed a lot. We made it just fine. He was a character.

Kathy and family…
Where to start?  
	Legendary all-day 4th of July parties at the farm on Highway 59, north of Marshall.
Greg introducing a young theatre nerd from South Dakota to Frank Zappa who still is a fan 50     years later.
	Working and learning in the scene shop with TD Anderson.
	Working and learning on job sites with him and Trollwork Construction.
You and Greg introducing me to that cute bartender from the Corner Bar on Christmas Eve who a few years later would marry me—keeping her Belgian sur name much to the amazement of my mother on the morning of our wedding day.
Charles Leslie Parker, William Paul Parker and Robert Daniel Parker (our sons).
That’s an early ½ dozen but I will keep it brief.
Now cracks a noble heart.  Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
Love to all of you….
Larry Dean “Fritz Parker and Pamela Van Nevel

I was married to Steve, Greg’s brother who passed away.  Steve and I didn’t live in Iowa so we didn’t get to visit with him often.  Whenever we did see him it was always a memorable and fun time.  I always liked talking with Greg because he had interesting stories to tell about his work projects and other things he was planning to do.  He had a fun sense of humor and often told childhood stories about Steve and him.  The two of them would laugh about those days and tell yet another story.  I am so grateful that Greg came down to North Carolina for a last visit with Steve when he was in the nursing home and on hospice.  That visit meant the world to Steve.  It also gave me some rare one-on-one time with Greg—I got to know him better and we shared some meaningful conversations.  His family will greatly miss him, as he was truly a family man with a giving and loving heart.

My fondest memory of Greg was our last conversation. We sat around the fire at Cyndy's and just talked. There was no real subject. We just talked about a little of this and a little of that. He said that sparks off the fire were a little too close for comfort, which they were. I will cherish that last conversation. I will truly miss him.

My deepest sympathy to the Anderson family. I've known Greg for longer than I can remember! We circled the same circles through college and early adulthood, and of course I know Kathy, both being Marshallites. I was in  a few theater productions with Marshall community theater and he directed Arsenic and Old Lace in which I was one of the sisters with Anne Algyer.  We had to improvise in that production  as we did not have a Johnathan, but a JoAnna. 

Years passed, and we didn't often see each other, but we could always enter into a conversation even though we hadn't seen each other for years.   

Again, so sorry for your loss, Rest in Peace Greg. 

Cathy Schlagel

Our paths crossed many times in Marshall and at SSU.  He was certainly one of the most active and energetic alums, giving his time, talent, and knowledge back to the program and the community.  The lessons of those who were part of the brilliant early years of the association with the creation of the program and Heartland were not lost on those who forged a spirit of striving past the norms to inspire the creativity and achievement that followed.  That network exists today, a legacy that honors Greg and lives on in his passing.

Both my wife Kris Blake and I shared unforgettable memories and bonds with those whose lives touched ours in SW MN.  If she could she, as I. extend our deepest sympathy to all who share sorrow in loss at this moment;  but will always have the memory of an unforgettable smile,  the twinkle in his eyes, and the breathtaking experience of his achievements.
...so proud to have known this force of Nature - and Nurture.

A favorite SSU memory was the first time (I think) that I met Greg. I had come into the SSU theatre with Paul Brown (scenic designer) as the set for 'When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder' was being built. Greg was supervising the build. Gorgeous set- roadside diner. The stage left wall was a structural 2X4 wall with windows that would eventually have tables and booths. Anyway, I walk in, and there, sitting on top of that wall, was Greg, finishing the framing.

He was a wonderful guy. I think about him regularly, and, today, I think of your family, and your great loss.

I am so saddened to hear of Greg's passing.  I worked with Greg from 1999 until he left the Civic Center.  He was a true theater professional and a great mentor.  But he was above all a wonderful friend and my memories with him are cherished.  Rest in peace Greg.

Greg Tracy

I’m very sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was a cherished colleague of mine at Des Moines Ballet and at the Civic Center. I was always grateful that when I threw out my back Greg carried me, rolled up in a ball, into his truck and to the doctor. We had many a conversations backstage at the Civic Center after I retired from the ballet. I’ll always remember Greg as a true “good guy” . I wish your family good memories and peaceful hearts. 

Lynn Andlauer 
Former Principal Dancer 
Dm Ballet/Ballet Iowa

I am so sorry to learn that Greg has passed, Kathy.   My sincere sympathies to you and your family. Several years ago I went with a friend to see a show at the Des Moines Civic Center and just ran into Greg. It was lovely to chat with him so many years after he and Steve (Kinney) were doing theatre at SSU together.  
May your memories bring comfort and peace. (It takes a while.)

Greg  was my Shop Foreman when I first came to SSU. He was terrific for making my first year as TD a success. He knew all the ins and outs about the theatre, shop and school. He introduced me to walleye fishing along with Brian Johnson and shooting clay pigeons. He was very creative and innovative and was great at sharing his ideas. He made my first year teaching a breeze. My best to Kathy , Marcie and Ryan.

Greg was one of a kind—in a great way. He helped me learn a lot about colors. He brightened my days at the Civic Center with his humor and kindness.

We send our condolences. Greg & I were acquainted at Southwest State & again here in Iowa.

Greg and I were freshman together at SSU. We both took an unconventional path toward graduation, lingering beyond the standard 4 years and , consequently, working on a lit of shows together. My condolences to Kathy, Marcy and all his family and friends. May  your memories bring you comfort and peace.

My deepest condolences to Greg's family.  We were friends at Southwest State.  A fine person he was.

Greg was always pushing the limits when we were growing up. 
He was tired of push mowing our large acreage with a push mower, so he came up with the idea of hooking all the gang mowers up and overlapping so it cut all the grass neatly using a walk-behind garden tractor.  He then decided to tack on the sulky seat so he could ride and drive. Very creative.  
I remember when he discovered acting. Our school was putting on a vaudeville show. Greg was on props, switching things out between acts. A guy did a Pratt fall and hurt himself and could not do his part in the next act, so they quickly substituted Greg. He loved it! (And a small ham got a lot bigger! Lol! ) 
We will miss his stories, his fun loving teasing and maybe that no-nonsense, straight to the point talks he could give you.  
Godspeed, Greg!  Love you!
Phyl

OBITUARIO

Gregory Arthur Anderson

22 septiembre, 1951 – 10 diciembre, 2024

Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

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