Brian was born in Omaha, NE to Ronald and Sheila Anderson March 1st, 1961. The family moved to Tekamah, NE in 1965 and he graduated from Tekamah-Herman High School in 1979. He married Julie Hellerich on December 20th, 1980. Their daughter, Nicole Marie, was born in 1981 and their son, Christopher Dean was born in 1982. He graduated from Hastings College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music. Brian worked as a band director in Milford and Albion prior to becoming the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Fremont High School (FHS) in 1988, where he taught for the next 28 years. He earned a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1990 and his PhD in 2003. On July 22nd, 2011 he married Krista (Rosenthal) Kjeldgaard and added two stepchildren, Trevor and Marlee, to his family. He retired from FHS in 2016. He was recently inducted into the Nebraska Music Education Association Music Educators Hall of Fame on the 22nd of November, 2019.
Brian enlisted into the Nebraska Army National Guard on January 25th, 1988 as a saxophone player. After graduating Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, MO, Brian proudly served with the 43rd Army Band in Lincoln, NE eventually being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2004, he graduated Warrant Officer Candidate School in Ft. Rucker, AL, after which he received his Commission and was appointed Commander of the 43rd Army Band. In his 31 years of service, Brian directed performances all over the United States and in Germany. He received numerous individual and unit awards including the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation's George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence. Brian received the Legion of Merit on June 29th, 2019, the highest peacetime honor a soldier can receive. Brian attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four in the Nebraska Army National Guard.
Brian was preceded in death by grandparents Dean and Norma Anderson and Bill and Bernice Lydick; uncles Lyle Anderson, Delwin Anderson and Jim Lydick.
Brian is survived by his wife Krista, daughter Nicole, son Christopher, his parents Ronald and Sheila Anderson, brothers Bruce (Shelly) Anderson and Brett (Joanie) Anderson, 4 nieces, 2 nephews and 2 great-nephews, stepson Trevor Kjeldgaard, stepdaughter Marlee Kjeldgaard and his beloved dog, Shatzi.
Memorials may be directed to the Dr. Brian L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (c/o Fremont Area Community Foundation indicate "Dr. A. Scholarship" in Special Notes section), the Omaha Symphony or the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, NE.
Visitation will be Friday, December 6th at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel (1249 E. 23rd) in Fremont with the family receiving friends from 4pm to 8pm.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 7, 2:00 pm at the Fremont High School Auditorium (1750 N. Lincoln, Fremont, NE) with Father Mark McKercher officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be at a later date.
***** Please park in the south parking lot for entry into the auditorium *******
The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to family and friends for the continuous love and support. A special thank you to the oncology team of Dr. Kelsey Klute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Buffett Cancer Center and the caring staff of Amedysis Hospice.
Although our hearts are heavy and our grief profound, we take comfort in knowing we are not alone, for Brian touched so many lives and his legacy will continue for years to come.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(15)
Robert Lewis
Omaha, NE Thursday, December 5, 2019 Words cannot express the weight of sadness felt with Brian's passing. He was one of the good guys and he will be truly missed.Paula Beezley
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 4, 2019 So sorry to hear this !! My thoughts and prayers are with you allJim Schulz
Lincoln, NE Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Brian was a wonderful supporter of music in Nebraska.Carma Jackson
Herman, NE Wednesday, December 4, 2019 I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I remember him from high school band days. Guess we all got the first glimmer of his musical teaching talents on those days that he took over when Mr. Chapman was running late or had other things to do and Brian stepped in to lead us on. He had a special soul and will be missed but, not forgotten. Thoughts and Prayers to the whole family.David Probst
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Dr. Brian was a true leader and a gift to all of his students and family. His presence will be missed but his legacy will live on forever. May the perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.Jennifer (Fiscus) Vieux
Fremont, NE Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Sending much love to Dr. A's family.Many of my favorite memories from high school were from my time spent in Dr. Anderson's band class. He always expected the best from us whether it was preparing for a concert, competition, pep band at a basketball game, or marching band at a football game. He instilled a great work ethic into us. His band class was a time to excel but to also grow my continued love for music. I'm very thankful to have had a band instructor/teacher like him in my life.
Jennifer Fiscus - Class of 2004
Hope Ludvigsen
, NE Monday, December 2, 2019 Dr. A was the best mentor, teacher, and musician a girl could have come into her life. I'm so appreciative of all he did for me and all he taught me during high school, and even beyond that as well. Wishing I could be there for the visitation and funeral, but sending my thoughts and prayers for the family from New Zealand!Karlene Adamson Harper
Omaha, NE Monday, December 2, 2019 My thoughts and prayers are with you. There are no words at a time like this but the memories you will hold forever. Hugs.The GRENIER's
Fremont, NE Monday, December 2, 2019 Krista and family:Your family has been our extended musical family for so long, and words are not enough in these moments. Brian always reached out to help and was key in Ellie becoming a music teacher. Sending you all much love and hugs. Luke and Jen Grenier and family
Maggie Bade
Fremont, NE Monday, December 2, 2019 Maggie Bade Class of 2001Dr. A was one of the best teachers out there. Some of my best memories are from FHS marching band because of him. I got to go to Cincinnati my sophomore year and California my senior year. All the music from James Bond, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godzilla, The Cowboys, and October that was composed for him.
I was fortunate enough to see him at the retirement concert. Thank you for the memories Dr. A!
My thoughts are with the Anderson family.
Mark and Sheryl Saxton
Chamberlain, SD Sunday, December 1, 2019 We are so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Sending prayers of comfortGene Torrens
Elkhorn, NE Sunday, December 1, 2019 Brian was such a great leader, mentor, and cordial friend. He will be missed by so many !Sharon K Axlund
Vancouver, WA Sunday, December 1, 2019 I am sad to hear about Brian and this just breaks my heart for the Anderson family. My memories of Brian are of a little boy and me babysitting Brian, Brett and Bruce nearly every weekend. I really looked forward to those babysitting days!! I am sending prayers, hugs and lots of love to everyone who will be missing Brian,Michael Freeman
Elkhorn, NE Saturday, November 30, 2019 Thanks for all the memories of 43rd music making and friendship, that I will never forget! Your conducting was an inspiration to me. I loved also that you took time to encourage those who wanted to improve their skills. Hugs and prayers daily for Krista and all the family.Jenn Ranslem
Scribner, NE Saturday, November 30, 2019 My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Brian Anderson. He was a huge influence in my life. A very great band teacher.