Vera (née Nikolich) Anderson, 71 years old of Bristol, WI, passed away peacefully June 1, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. Vera began life on August 27, 1952, in Waukegan, IL, the eldest daughter of the late Dushan and Clara (née Zotz) Nikolich. Vera graduated from Waukegan High School in 1970 and after graduating early, she went on to study at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Vera worked for many years in the IT Department for Abbott Laboratories and Allstate Insurance. She also taught college level courses at the College of Lake County.
At an early age, Vera had a love for animals, especially dogs. She started a dog grooming business from home. In high school, her first job was at the Beach Park Animal Hospital, IL. Vera became involved in purebred dogs in 1965 when she purchased her first boxer – a classic, brindle male of the Mazelaine lines. He became the first of many boxers under the Bavaria’s Boxers prefix. Vera began showing boxers in 1965 and breeding them in 1967. She finished many boxers under the Bavaria’s name as well as achieving a Sire of Merit and two Dams of Merit as well as a third place Top Producing Sire. This passion spanned over 50 years. She was a dog handler for all breeds, taught conformation classes from 1988-2006, AKC Boxer Judge since 2006, became an International Judge in 2010, and had judged in Australia, Mexico, and many locations in the US including her lifelong dream of judging for the American Boxer Club in Indianapolis in May of 2024. During that most recent National Specialty Show, Vera was given a Life Membership of the American Boxer Club. She was passionate about all breeds, sharing her knowledge, and helping others with their dogs. Vera had made many instructive CDs on training and started a website for the Tagamet/Benadryl Cancer Remission Protocol for Dogs. Because of her dedication and efforts in this, she touched countless lives and forged many friendships while improving the quality of life for dogs.
Vera was blessed with motherhood with her first son Bret, daughter Melanie and youngest son Scot. Vera was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and cherished the time she spent with each of them. While working full-time, she raised her three children, and took on many roles including being a softball and baseball coach. When she became a grandmother, she enjoyed taking her grandchildren to local and overnight dog shows. She included them in raising litters of her dog’s puppies. Some of her children’s first puppies came from litters that Vera raised. Vera instilled a hard work ethic into each of her grandchildren through her own example. When her grandchildren were younger, she would often include them in home and yard projects. Her favorite time with her family was celebrating Christmas, which she enjoyed hosting. She would often make home-made gifts for her immediate and extended family. She also cherished the memories made when accompanying her grandchildren to the apple orchard and local tulip festival. She treasured the memories created individually with her children and grandchildren and was proud of all their accomplishments.
Vera enjoyed traveling, sewing, and refurbishing furniture, with her husband Bill. She would often share and post a sunrise and sunset picture from her home in Bristol. Vera and Bill loved animal watching and feeding the wildlife on their property. Her travels took her to Scotland, Australia, Mexico, Alaska, and other states in the U.S. On a trip to Sydney, Australia in 2010, she met her soulmate, William Anderson, while judging a Boxer Show. On January 15, 2015, they married in McHenry, IL and had a celebration dinner cruise on Lake Geneva, WI, where Bill serenaded Vera with a song they had written together while courting. In 2016, Vera and Bill built their beautiful home together in Bristol, WI, naming it “Evermore.” Together, Vera and Bill were a perfect match with so many common interests. They have judged Boxer Specialties together all over the USA sharing special moments while visiting all parts of the country.
Vera is survived by her husband Bill; three children: Bret (Arda) Bowles of Lindenhurst, IL, Melanie Bowles of Waukegan, IL, and Scot (Jessica) Albers of Gurnee, IL; six grandchildren: Unique (Dezz Turner) Gulley, Brooklyn Gulley, Teegan Albers, Andre Gulley, Kailey Albers, and Bretton Bowles; two great-grandchildren: Kai and Ariya Turner; a sister Nada (Newton) Finn of Waukegan, IL; niece Anna (Brandon) Vinson; nephew Joseph Finn; great-niece and nephew: Claire and Elliot Vinson; and her beloved Boston Terriers Tux and Dani, who gave her so much love and joy.
A celebration of Vera’s life will be held privately with her family. Arrangements were entrusted to the STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH. If you wish to honor Vera’s life, donations can be made to Vera’s favorite charity in memory of her to: Boxer Rebound 4915 Ringwood Rd. Ringwood, IL 60072. Please indicate in memory of Vera Anderson. Please sign the online guest book in Vera’s memory at www.strangfh.com.
