Paul D. Anderson

Paul Anderson died Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 71, surrounded by members of his family. He was born in McPherson, KS to James and Ruth (Aas) Anderson. He married Cathy Blumer in 1977 and together they had two beautiful daughters, Kelly and Kristi. Later in life, Paul married Kathy Wendorf (whom he lovingly referred to as his “perfect wife”) on December 9, 2006.

He graduated from UW La Crosse in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Paul was a typical “type A” personality. He loved people and loved to succeed. He spent much of his career as a salesperson for the window treatment industry before beginning his final career as a realtor. He first worked with Coldwell Banker and later partnered with Gizo Ujarmelli and Elena Naschke to start Amaximmo Real Estate in 2018.

Paul will be remembered as a man committed to his community. He spent time delivering Meals on Wheels, which he did right up until August 18. He loved the brief visits with the clients to whom he delivered. He joined the Board of Directors for Hagar House after hearing its founder, Jessica Bretl speak at a church service about the organization’s mission to provide Christian based services for single moms seeking to escape challenging or abusive environments.

He actively supported Frosted Faces Foundation, a non-profit started by daughter Kelly and husband Andy, that focused on senior dog rescue. Yes – there were always dogs around!

He also loved to golf, make wine, workout at the YMCA frequently, visit with friends, and travel both domestically and abroad. He ran in the annual Color Run, a fund raiser for the Hagar House, even as his vision diminished. Daughter Kristi would run with him, so he could finish the 5K course more easily. He always crossed the finish line, even in 2025 at the age of 70, with Kristi at his side.

He will also be remembered as a man of great faith. He loved his Lord, and rarely missed Sunday church with Sam, Chris and the grandchildren, followed by going out to lunch.

But his routine involved Friday night date night with wife Kathy, and a daily zoom call with his brothers David and Mark, martini in hand. Every day. Yes, every day!!

Paul especially enjoyed time with the three granddaughters, who would come to bake cookies. They were always sure to give him the first one, fresh from the oven!

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters, Kelly (Andy) Smisek of Ramona, CA, Kristi Anderson (Lukes Denny) of Wausau, and step-daughter, Samantha (Chris) Swisse, of Wausau. He is also survived by granddaughters, Mackenzie Streeter, Macy Streeter, Alice Swisse, foster grandchildren, Mayson and Colton; brothers, David Anderson (Priscilla Paton) of Prescott, WI and Mark (Beverly) Anderson of Minneapolis, MN; and sister, Judy Anderson (Kim Brown) of Punta Gorda, FL.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, David (Polly) Verick, of Wausau; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Verick of St. Cloud, MN; Peg (Scott) Buckman of Wausau; Sue Koltz of Wausau; Jackie (Jim) Schira of Baileys Harbor, WI; Lisa Verick of Wausau; and Jen Smith of Wausau. Paul leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly!

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Anderson.

A private family committal will be held Friday, September 18 at Maple Grove Cemetery.

When talking about funeral services with his wife, Kathy, several years ago, Paul had one request: he wanted a party. So, in true Paul fashion, a Celebration of Life will be held Friday at Sylvan Hill, 1329 Sylvan St, Wausau, from 4-7 p.m. with a brief service at 5pm.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hagar House (thehagarhouse.org) in Wausau, Trinity Lutheran on Stewart (trinitywausau.org) in Wausau, or Frosted Faces Foundation (frostedfacesfoundation.org) in Ramona, CA.