Leonard "Len" LaVerne Anderson

Leonard LaVerne Anderson, age 87 of Spring Lake, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 29, 1937, in Grand Haven, MI, to Leo and Minnie (Groth) Anderson.

Len lived most of his life in West Michigan. He began his education at the one-room Pigeon Creek School before his family moved to First Street in Grand Haven. There, he attended Central School and later graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1955. A standout athlete, Len set multiple track records, played on the only undefeated Grand Haven football team in 1954, and was a member of the tennis team. Beyond athletics, he had a passion for theater and student government, and his senior year, he was voted homecoming king.

After high school, Len proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1956 to 1963. He earned his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 1962. That same year, on July 21, he married the love of his life, Wanda Gringhuis, in Spring Lake.

Len enjoyed a long, successful career as a business owner. He co-owned the Whitelaker Newspaper and printing business in Whitehall, and eventually started his own brokerage firm, Anderson & Company, Inc. in Grand Haven. Len was proud to take part in the privately funded renovation of One South Harbor on the Grand River, one of the first anchors to kick off the development of the waterfront boardwalk. Before his retirement, Anderson & Company, Inc. was acquired by Stifel Nicolaus where it still operates today.

Len lived a life full of community involvement. He led by quiet example, a compassionate man who believed in hands-on leadership and philanthropy. He was devoted to many community and national organizations including: The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Foundation, The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the Spring Lake and White Lake Rotary/Rotary International, the Grand Haven Area Jaycees, and Spring Lake Country Club, among others. His family attended Christ Community Church in Spring Lake and Len and Wanda eventually joined First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven.

Len was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and loyal friend. Nicknamed "Gumpy" by his grandchildren, he took on the role of grandpa naturally as a fun-loving, supportive, and proud grandfather. For countless summers, the Andersons and many local families vacationed together in Northern Michigan in lakeside cottages on Lime Lake. Many cherished memories were made here and Len spent hours on end fishing and walking the beaches searching for Petoskey stones.

As an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, Len shared his interests with friends and relatives, and later, his own children and grandchildren. He fished in rivers, lakes, and oceans, but he especially loved fly-fishing in Michigan. In 1996, Len caught the largest rainbow trout in the state. He enjoyed many fishing trips to Esnagi and Nungesser Lakes in Canada with close friends and family over the years. 

In retirement, Len remained actively engaged with fundraising for local organizations. His home in Spring Lake provided countless opportunities to enjoy wildlife and nature, and a large koi pond.

Len enjoyed golf and spent winters in Sedona, Arizona, and The Villages, Florida. He loved boating and sailing on Spring Lake and Lake Michigan, attending concerts and never missed a chance to sing or dance to his favorite Frank Sinatra songs. Over the years, he traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia with his wife, Wanda.

Len lived with the challenges of Parkinson's disease with strength and grace in his final years. His determination, humor, and kindness never wavered as he remained a true gentleman. His family is forever grateful for the assistance of the many kindhearted caregivers, family, and friends who enriched his life during this difficult period.

Len is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 62 years, Wanda; and his three children: Cris Anderson of Spring Lake, Michelle (Geoff) Johnson of Spring Lake, and Melanie (Aaron) Brossiet of East Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren: Laura Johnson, Amanda (Korson) Mundinger, Garryn Johnson, Brienna Anderson, Micah Brossiet, Emma Johnson, and Amaya Brossiet; and one great-granddaughter, Elliana Mundinger. Also surviving are his siblings: Jeanne Curtis of Owosso, Bette (David) Rowley and Gail (Bruce) Bradford all of Spring Lake, and Glenn (June) Anderson of East Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Marcia Dreher of Fruitport; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Celebration of Life for Len will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Spring Lake Country Club, with remembrance/remarks at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grand Haven Schools Foundation, the Len & Wanda Anderson Family Fund c/o the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, or Michigan Parkinson Foundation.
 

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