Daniel Anderson
Born in Joliet, IL, October 25, 1946
Raised in Gardner, IL
Graduated from Gardner Grade School, Gardner South Wilmington High, and Joliet Junior College
Dan entered the U.S. Army in June 1967, and served his country for two years in the Infantry, which included a tour
in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received.
Danny married Janet Bertot in 1969. They have two children Jeff Anderson of Hampshire, IL, and Matt Anderson of
Gardner, IL. They are proud to say that all four of them graduated from GSWHS. They are also proud Grandparents
of ten grandchildren.
Dan’s work history includes- 1965-1976 Peabody Coal Co.
1970-1974 Village of Gardner
1976-1999 Com Ed.
1999-2016 Independent Contractor in the
Nuclear Power Industry
Dan’s Community Service includes- One of several who founded Gardner
Area Youth Baseball in 1969 and
remained involved for fourteen years
serving as coach, board member, and
President of GAYB and Tri-County
Little League.
He served on the GSW Board of Education for five years.
Served for four years on the Gardner Days Committee. This
involved planning and carrying out a community celebration
every summer.
Gardner American Legion
Dan joined the Gardner American Legion in 1970. The day he joined, he was elected as Finance Officer / Adjutant,
a position he has held all but one year since. That lone year, he was elected Commander of the Post.
The goal at the Gardner Legion is to provide service to our community and our local Veterans. They have provided a
venue that few small towns have available. The Hall has been used by many individuals and organizations for fund
raising for many different charities and to help people in need. We estimate that well over one million dollars has
been raised at the Legion Hall in Gardner since the new hall was built in 1994. GSWHS and Dwight HS have even
held several proms at the Hall.
Dan is very proud of his Legion Post and what they have accomplished. He has been an integral part of the Legion
for 54 years and is happy to be a part of the GSWB Family.
“ONCE A PANTHER, ALWAYS A PANTHER”!