Gregory Thomas Anderson

Gregory Thomas Anderson (Greg), age 44, of Moline, IL, died Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at his residence. Greg was born to Teresa Dempsey (Robeson)and John Anderson on March 19, 1977, in Moline, IL. From an early age, together with his father John, he was active in Boy Scouts at Loud Thunder where he would eventually spend several summers as a camp counselor.

He graduated from Moline, High School in 1995, where he studied German and was the basketball team manager. Greg attended Albion College in Albion, Michigan where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He studied History with plans to become a teacher, however, in 1997 Greg was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which would ultimately alter the course of his life. With perseverance, he finished college and in 1999, with the support of a cane, walked across the stadium stage to receive his diploma. After college he moved back to Moline where he worked briefly at APAC before eventually taking time off as his MS continued to progress. Even with a failing body, he was never one to sit still. He would spend time with his family, having regular Sunday lunches, enjoy Friday movie nights, teach Sunday School, and even do accounting for others out of his home office. 

Despite his physical obstacles, Greg's passion for learning and determined spirit that brought him to DeKalb, IL in 2006 with plans to study law at Northern Illinois University. After many uphill battles, he graduated Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law with his Juris Doctorate in 2011. After graduating, he practiced law briefly, before taking time off again to allow his body some much needed rest. He remained in DeKalb for another nine years before moving back to Moline, in December of 2020. 

To know Greg was to know bravery. His humor and explosive laughter could brighten even the dullest of days. If anyone had a question, they asked Greg first, his knowledge seemingly boundless. He enjoyed history, politics, movies, music, food, coffee, family, friends, learning, teaching, and debating. He was bold but often a creature of habit. He drank his coffee black and called his mother every day. He loved his cats and was the proudest of uncles to his nephew, Ethan Gregory and niece, Sadie Mae. He was gifted with a rare passion for living that allowed him to grace so many lives. Though his body was weak, his mind was strong. Though his years were short, his life was large. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John Anderson, He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Teresa and Richard Dempsey, his sister and brother-in-law, Chandra and Allen Oakland, his brother, Todd Dempsey, his nephew and niece, Ethan and Sadie Oakland, and his aunt, Linda Anderson.

Family and friends are asked to please save the date for a Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, what would have been Greg's 45th birthday. Further details to be shared. 

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