David G. Anderson, 69, of Wausau and Hazelhurst, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at Marshfield Clinic–Weston, with his beloved family at his side. Born August 11, 1956, in Hazelhurst to Robert Anderson and Carroll Ahlborn, Dave grew up in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, a place that shaped his love for people, history, and community. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, and an ability to connect with anyone he met.
Friends, family and colleagues posted their tributes on social media as word of his passing spread this week. But perhaps the outpouring of honorifics was best stated by former State Representative Joe Handrick, who posted:
One of the kindest men to ever live has passed away.
Dave Anderson leaves a legacy of public service like no other.
My German teacher and political mentor, and a friend to all.
If they include all his accomplishments in his obituary, you may want to get comfortable – it will take a while to read it!
This is a mere summary of his contributions.
Dave graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Superior in 1978 with a degree in Social Studies and German, beginning his career as a teacher at Lakeland Union High School, his alma mater. Even then, he was drawn to public service, winning election to the Oneida County Board of Supervisors while still teaching. He later served as Chairman of the Town of Hazelhurst, setting the stage for a life spent in leadership and service.
Travel was one of Dave’s greatest passions. He visited six continents, with plans already set for Antarctica, and delighted in bringing others along for the ride, whether on trips abroad or through stories and photos he shared with friends. He often invited others to join him , and he cherished his time learning and teaching.
Rotary International was central to Dave’s life for more than three decades. He was District Governor for Rotary District 6220, a Paul Harris Society member, and at the time of his passing, president of the newly formed Wausau After Hours Rotary Club—the first new club in the district in over ten years. He attended conventions around the world, embraced Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” and built friendships that transcended geography. His devotion to Rotary was a reflection of his wider commitment to service.
Dave’s professional career spanned state and federal government as well as community leadership. He worked as Director of the Governor’s Northern Office, Director of Appointments for Governor Tommy Thompson, Policy Advisor and Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Department of Financial Institutions, and Policy Director for Governor Scott McCallum. He also served as Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Robert Kasten and District Director for Congressmen Tom Petri and Sean Duffy. He concluded his government service as Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, retiring in 2018. Later, he continued his work as Government Relations Director for Ruder Ware Law Firm and as Board Chairman and Senior Policy Fellow for the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service.
Alongside his government service, Dave held leadership roles in the Republican Party of Wisconsin, serving for years as state secretary and representing Wisconsin as a delegate to national conventions. He approached politics with the same spirit that defined his life—valuing relationships, listening to others, and building common ground.
Dave also contributed to numerous civic and cultural organizations. He served with the UW–Superior Alumni Association and Foundation, the Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators, the Circus World Museum Foundation, the Lakeland High School District Foundation, the Camp Five Museum Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area, KidsVoting Wisconsin, the Lakeland Care District, the Wausau Area Taxpayers League, and the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. He gave freely of his time, believing that meaningful change begins at the community level.
Known for his lack of ego, his warmth and humor, Dave had a gift for turning strangers into friends. He thrived in gatherings that brought people together, whether international Rotary conventions or the annual Beef-A-Rama at Silver Lake Lodge, where storytelling and camaraderie were always on the menu.
Beyond his public life, Dave enjoyed history, genealogy, movies, and model trains. Most of all, he treasured his family. He and his wife June celebrated 44 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, learning and travel. He was endlessly proud of their daughters, Jennifer Carlson (Tim) and Stephanie Jenson (Adam), and found immense joy in his five grandchildren—Talon, Eleanor, Parker, Cam, and Presley. He cherished every circus trip, train ride, and family outing, always eager to create lasting memories, tales of which he happily shared with those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Dave is survived by his wife, June; daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie; five grandchildren; his sister, Norma Kuchler (Warren); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carroll; his sister, Dorothy Klemptner; and his brothers, Harold (Bud), Norman, and Jerry.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, at Bolger Funeral Home in Woodruff. A second visitation will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Lakeside Garden of Sleep, with a luncheon afterward at Hazelhurst Town Hall.
