Obituary of LaMarr Andersen

Military and Family Man Sergeant LaMarr "Butch" Andersen, Jr., age 44, of Wheatland, California, passed away on March 23, 2011 at his home in Tacoma, Washington from health complications. Private Andersen was born on January 6, 1966 in Santa Clara, California. He is the son of LaMarr and Sondra Andersen. Following graduation from Marysville Adult Education Program in 1985, LaMarr enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on several operations as a combat engineer until his honorable discharge in January, 1993. While serving in the USMC, Private First Class Andersen obtained the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, with one star, Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol sharpshooter Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Following his tour of duty, PFC Andersen entered into the USMC reserve unit at Camp Pendleton, California. After working as a labor in the Shasta County lumber mill industry for three years, Andersen acquired a job as an agricultural grain distribution supervisor for Colusa County, California, for a two-year duration. LaMarr married Phyllis Tennison of Sutter, California, moved his family to Spokane, Washington and returned to military service. In 2004, Private First Class Andersen enlisted in the United States National Guard and was activated to combat duty soon afterward. Andersen volunteered to reinstate his active duty status in the United States Army 2006 and relocated to Fort Riley, Kansas. Andersen served in his country's fight against terrorism while deployed to Kuwait and two other deployments. In 2008, Andersen "A proud American soldier" transferred to Camp Murray, Washington and served with pride as a combat engineer until his passing away as a sergeant. PFC Anderson, a devoted family man always putting his family in the forethought of all his life-altering decisions while serving his beloved country. The selflessness in caring for his wife and mother showed his compassion for family, which holds true for his military service and patriotism. PFC Andersen is survived by his wife Phyllis (Raye) Andersen, of Sutter, California; one daughter, Misty Robinson of Spokane, Washington; his sister, Sherrie Shultz of Tustin, California; his mother, Sondra Andersen of Olivehurst, California and his father, LaMarr Andersen, Sr. of Olivehurst, California. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Sierra View Mortuary, with funeral services immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Mark S. Eliason is the funeral counselor in charge of arrangements.