Jonathon Michael Anderson

Jonathan (Jon) Michael Anderson, 65 of Brethren passed away peacefully on August 30th. 2023 at his sacred cottage on the lake. Jon was born in Traverse City, MI on July 6th, 1958, to Alvina Marshall Anderson Miller and John E. Anderson. He was the youngest of 8 brothers with one younger sister. He excelled in his schooling, was very competitive in sports, and worked summers on the cherry farms nearby; all led him to become Valedictorian of his Elk Rapids High School Class of 1976. After graduating High School, he attended the University of Michigan where he received his Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering Degree Class of 1981. Jon met many of his friends at the U of M and gained the loving nickname “The Ponch”. He later continued his education at Colorado State University completing his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering - Water Resources. Jon began his professional career in 1983, becoming a Commissioned Officer for the U.S. Public Health Service of Commissioned Corps- Indian Health Services Division. He dedicated his service to providing water resources to Indigenous Communities nationwide for 22 years. As an Engineering Officer, he had many prestigious projects for Sanitation Facilities Construction in Martin, SD; Rhinelander, WI; Sault Ste Marie, MI; Fort Collins, CO; Princeton, ME; Bangor, ME; and Grand Rapids, MI. He achieved the rank of Captain, and was very honored to serve his country and Tribal Nations. After he retired from his service, he continued his work through his business Kewegnong Engineering Services, a business he proudly maintained for 19 years. He was also a part of GTEC (Grand Traverse Engineering and Construction) and GTED (Grand Traverse Economic Development) where he served as a Vice Chairman, on the Board of Directors. Jon loved an array of outdoor activities including pheasant hunting in South Dakota, fishing the boundary waters of Minnesota, and countless deer hunting trips. He also was very present in his own Indigenous community Grand Traverse Band and participated in many Pow-Wows. Through his travels and work he met many lifelong friends in Wisconsin. He decided to settle down and got married in Maine to Cathy Moretto (Gustafson). Jon was a proud father of two children who he taught his dedication to family, respect to our elders, compassion for the environment, and obviously his sacred hunting techniques. He had three amazing dogs in his life, hunting dogs Ed and Gus, and his companion to the end Oakley. He is survived by his beloved Daughter. Alaura Violet (Dillon Bäk), and Randy Miller (Deb Miller), Jenny Martin (Marty Baker). He was a dear son, brother, and father who was proceeded in death by Mother Alvina Marshall Miller Anderson, Father John Anderson Sr.; Brothers Robert Miller, Thomas Miller, James, John Jr., Jacob, and Jeffery Anderson; and beloved Son Owen James Anderson. A private celebration of life was held and friends of Jon in (lieu of flowers) are asked to contribute to the Owen James Anderson Scholarship (https://gtrcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1429)

Jonathon Michael Anderson

July 6, 1958 - August 30, 2023