Thomas James Anderson

Thomas was born on January 15, 1952 to Harold (Andy) and Maxine Anderson. He was the fourth son of five children. Due to Tom’s father’s military service, his family lived in several different places when he was a small child. He lived in Florida, France, Germany, and began elementary schooling in Vacaville, California. He participated in many adventures and shenanigans with his brothers and sister. The family moved to Merced, California where Tom Graduated from Merced High School in 1970.

Tom served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Auckland, New Zealand from October 1971-1973. He loved the Maori people and culture, and loved to teach about Jesus Christ.

After returning from his missionary service, Tom met and married Darylyn Rohloff in 1974. They lived in San Jose, California where Tom attended San Jose State University to become an Electrical Engineer. They had four children together. He worked as an engineer and also taught college Calculus classes.

When his first marriage ended, he met and married Doina Lungu in 1988. They had a son together in 1989 and shortly thereafter moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. A few years later they moved to the Chicago, Illinois area for work.

Tom returned back to San Jose after his second marriage ended. He met Trudy Hancock and she came with her family to the United States from Australia when they married in 1998. They lived and worked in San Jose until she passed away in early 2015. His beloved parents also passed away the same year.

Tom moved to be closer to three of his children and his many grandchildren in Boise, Idaho at the beginning of 2016. He was experiencing the trials that came with his diabetes diagnosis and had to have his toes amputated and eventually his lower leg.

Tom met and married Terri Drobatz in 2019. They moved to West Jordan, Utah to be closer to Terri’s daughters and son-in-law, who helped greatly with caring for Tom.

Throughout his life, Tom was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel. He served in many callings including bishoprics and teaching Gospel Doctrine class. He loved to do family history and temple work.

Tom was very intelligent and was creative as well. He loved to swim and lettered in high school swimming the butterfly. He loved elephants and was able to complete a bucket list item when he visited elephants in Thailand. He loved his family, including bonus children that came through marriage.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Maxine Anderson, his wife, Trudy Anderson, and his brother Mark Anderson. He is survived by his wife Terri Anderson and her children, Laurette (Les) Marx, and Karen Klein. Tom’s children are Jacob (Kelly) Anderson, Tammy (Brian) Jensen, Matthew (Tommi) Anderson, Beth (Jerren) Summers, and Tom Anderson. He is also survived by his brothers Vic (Pearl) Anderson, and Bruce (Diane) Anderson, and a sister, Mary (Rand) Pugmire. Tom had over 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who will miss their Grandpa Bear. He also leaves behind a collection of nieces and nephews and many other bonus family relationships.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers, nurses, and family members, who sacrificed their time and effort to care for Tom. He treasured the calls and visits people made to bid him farewell.

Memorial services will be held on March 1, 2025 at the Mountain Point 4th Ward building located at 498 E Hollow Creek Rd. Draper, Utah 84020 at 10 am. Those who wish to greet the family may have an opportunity from 9:00-9:45 am prior to the service. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please contribute to the American Diabetes Association