Michael C. "Mike" Anderson, 74, of Burlington, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born on May 25, 1951, in Burlington, Mike was the cherished son of Donald C. and Norma J. Holland Anderson. His life was filled with family, friendship, hard work, and plenty of fun, creating a full and memorable journey-but one of his greatest joys began on Feb. 12, 1988, when he married the love of his life, Debra J Lamb, on the beautiful shores of Kauai, Hawaii.
A proud graduate of Burlington High School’s Class of 1969, Mike went on to Southeastern Community College on a tennis scholarship before continuing his studies at the University of Iowa. While still a student, he began what would become a nearly four-decade career with the Des Moines County Assessor’s Office. Starting as an appraiser in 1974, Mike’s dedication, integrity, and hard work guided him steadily upward until he became County Assessor in 1998-a role he served in with distinction and pride until retiring at the end of 2011.
Retirement suited Mike well. He spent his days exactly the way he wanted to, enjoying the freedom to choose what made him happiest. Whether teeing off at the golf course, enjoying an evening at the casino, or unwinding at home with his favorite shows and sports, he found joy in both the excitement and the simplicity of life. A passionate golfer, he played several times a week during the season and celebrated a memorable hole-in-one at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course in 2008. He was also a spirited sports fan, faithfully cheering for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Cowboys, and-above all-the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Although Mike had many friends and was well known in the community, Mike’s greatest happiness was time spent with his wife, Debbie. Whether they were sharing a movie, walking the dog, or exploring a tropical getaway, these everyday moments were the ones he treasured most. Mike was a proud father of his only child, Rachael. He loved to brag to anyone who would listen about her accomplishments and loved the woman she became.
Mike had a gift for finding fun and spreading laughter, a quality that never faded. His ornery streak and mischievous humor-present since childhood, made him unforgettable. From a young age, Mike delighted in making people laugh. Stories about Mike’s antics are well noted, with anecdotes of teachers reporting his affinity for entertaining the class and an instance of introducing himself to a stranger as “Mikey-Boy Anderson” (an endearing family nickname). Even as dementia altered parts of his life, his quick wit, generosity, strong opinions, and playful spark continued to shine through. His presence filled rooms, and his spirit lives on in the countless stories, jokes, and memories he created with those lucky enough to know him.
Mike is lovingly survived by his wife, Debbie Anderson of Burlington; daughter, Rachael Anderson (John Kubrak) of Cedar Rapids; his beloved dog, Bella; and grand-dog, Chloe. He will also be deeply missed and never forgotten by his sister, Kay (Tom) Beeding of Burlington; niece, Allison (Beeding) Lansing of West Burlington; sisters-in-law Linda (Donald) McCabe of Burlington and Diane (Ron) Lamb of Holden, Missouri; special maternal aunt, MarScine Whaley; and many nieces and nephews.
He now reunites with his parents; his niece, Nicole Beeding; great-nephew Carter; many cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved dogs Brandy, Brutus, and Wulfgar.
In keeping with Mike’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Crematory. A private graveside memorial at Aspen Grove Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Alzheimer's Association.