John David "JD" Anderson

John David “J.D.” Anderson, age 64, of Arapahoe, NE, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024. He was born June 2, 1959, in McCook, Nebraska, to parents Robert “Bob” and Leora “Lorrie” (Knosp) Anderson.  

J.D. was the first of four children who grew up on a farm near Arapahoe, Nebraska.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. At the early age of 9, J.D. realized his passion for working with cattle and was an active 4-H member.  He graduated from Arapahoe in 1977, J.D. attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, on a livestock judging scholarship. He finished college at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, earning a teaching degree in agriculture education.

On July 12, 1980, J.D. married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Stagemeyer) Anderson.  They were blessed with four children.  J.D. and Linda returned home to support the family business, Anderson Livestock. They developed a cow/calf operation, Grazers, where they proudly raise “happy cows” on green pastures under blue sky.  In turn, the cowherd produces performance bulls that are sold nationwide for the Powerline Genetics program.

J.D. optimistically supported Husker sports, particularly football, through their ups and downs.  He enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He especially loved time spent in the Caribbean.  J.D.’s passion for raising cows and calves was only matched by his passion for his family and his faith.  He was a member and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church and faithfully watched services when he could not attend.

J.D. was preceded in death by his son, Austin John; father, Robert “Bob” Anderson; father-in-law, Owen Stagemeyer; aunt, Beverly Grady; brothers-in-law, Will Stagemeyer and John Walbridge; and nephew, Sam Gillen.

Those left to celebrate his life include wife, Linda Anderson of Arapahoe; children Miranda (Mike) Nanfito of Cambridge, NE, Blake (Indigo) Anderson of Boulder, CO, and Kaylee (Chris) Bartels of Imperial, NE; mother, Leora “Lorrie” Anderson; sisters JoDee Walbridge and Janelle (Leon) Ehrke; brother Jason (Lisa) Anderson; mother-in-law, Shirley Stagemeyer; brothers-in-law Mark (Julie) Stagemeyer and Jeff (Kristin) Stagemeyer; grandchildren: Marshall Nanfito, Miles Nanfito, Kallan Bartels and two on the way; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

The service will also be live-streamed on Trinity Lutheran Church’s Facebook page. 

Memorials will be designated at a later date.