1969
Anders
2025
Anders Gredenius
December 31, 1969 — November 2, 2025
Per Anders Gredenius, 91 of Rockford, IL died Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center surrounded by his family. Anders was born on September 12, 1934, in Alingsås Sweden to Simon and Elna (Widen) Magnuson. As was common in Sweden in the 1950's Anders and his sisters changed their last name from Magnuson to Gredenius which was derived from a family sir name. Anders immigrated to America in 1958 living in Chicago with his aunt and uncle knowing very little English. Then in 1960 he met the love of his life Arline and they were married on August 19, 1961.
Anders and Arline settled in Rockford where Anders became known as a skilled upholsterer. He initially worked for Forest City Upholstery and House of Lindberg until 1965 when he opened his own business and for many years operated Anders Upholstery in Rockford. True to his Swedish roots and love of bakery, Anders and Arline owned and operated the Harbert Swedish Bakery in Harbert, Michigan from 1983 to 1992 before returning to Rockford and continuing to operate Anders Upholstery until his retirement.
Anders was a lifelong member of the Covenant Church worshiping at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford for over 50 years and at Harbert Community Church in Sawyer Michigan during their years there. Anders was very active in Boy Scouts where he made lifelong friends during his childhood years in Sweden and then as a leader in America. He was a member of the Alpine Kiwanis Club, Swedish Historical Society, and the International Order of Good Templar where he led Swedish folk dancing both in Chicago and Rockford. He also taught Swedish classes through Rock Valley College and the Swedish Historical Society. Anders was proud of his Swedish heritage, but he was also proud to have become a United States citizen on June 30, 1983.
Anders and Arline have been blessed with three children, Scott (deceased), Linda (Gary) Larson, Christopher (Sara) Gredenius. Grandchildren Bethany (Nick) Braun, Benjamin (Hailey) Larson, Morgan Gredenius, Anders Gredenius, Trinity Gredenius, Ryder Gredenius, and great-grandchild Heath Larson. In addition to his spouse Arline, children and grandchildren, Anders is survived by sisters Barbro (Hans) Svensson and Ingalil Gredenius, both in Sweden as well as nieces and nephews in Sweden. He was pre-deceased by his parents and son Scott.
Services will be at Broadway Covenant Church at 3525 Broadway, Rockford, IL on Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 AM with a luncheon immediately following. There will be a private family interment at Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Broadway Covenant Church, Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center 3470 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 or Swedish Historical Society 404 South 3rd St, Rockford, IL 61104. Stateline Cremations assisted the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations
Anders and Arline settled in Rockford where Anders became known as a skilled upholsterer. He initially worked for Forest City Upholstery and House of Lindberg until 1965 when he opened his own business and for many years operated Anders Upholstery in Rockford. True to his Swedish roots and love of bakery, Anders and Arline owned and operated the Harbert Swedish Bakery in Harbert, Michigan from 1983 to 1992 before returning to Rockford and continuing to operate Anders Upholstery until his retirement.
Anders was a lifelong member of the Covenant Church worshiping at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford for over 50 years and at Harbert Community Church in Sawyer Michigan during their years there. Anders was very active in Boy Scouts where he made lifelong friends during his childhood years in Sweden and then as a leader in America. He was a member of the Alpine Kiwanis Club, Swedish Historical Society, and the International Order of Good Templar where he led Swedish folk dancing both in Chicago and Rockford. He also taught Swedish classes through Rock Valley College and the Swedish Historical Society. Anders was proud of his Swedish heritage, but he was also proud to have become a United States citizen on June 30, 1983.
Anders and Arline have been blessed with three children, Scott (deceased), Linda (Gary) Larson, Christopher (Sara) Gredenius. Grandchildren Bethany (Nick) Braun, Benjamin (Hailey) Larson, Morgan Gredenius, Anders Gredenius, Trinity Gredenius, Ryder Gredenius, and great-grandchild Heath Larson. In addition to his spouse Arline, children and grandchildren, Anders is survived by sisters Barbro (Hans) Svensson and Ingalil Gredenius, both in Sweden as well as nieces and nephews in Sweden. He was pre-deceased by his parents and son Scott.
Services will be at Broadway Covenant Church at 3525 Broadway, Rockford, IL on Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 AM with a luncheon immediately following. There will be a private family interment at Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Broadway Covenant Church, Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center 3470 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 or Swedish Historical Society 404 South 3rd St, Rockford, IL 61104. Stateline Cremations assisted the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations
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