Touching You with my heart!  / Momma Anderson (Mother)
Son, it never ceases to amaze me the things I can only attribute to your helping us out down here.  Especially when the kids or Misa needs the help.  I find out magically what is needed, go to the bad house, and there is the help we need!  You must also remember that I am like Santa Claus!  What I have I am likely to share with everyone (ha)  Love and kisses to you my boy!  May God and You be with me on the 17th of July for my surgery.  Love you! Close

Thank you for the help!  / Mom Anderson (Mother)

        We both know that our Mandi girl is graduating on the 23rd of May.  We all want to thank you for the help you sent our way to help pay for expenses for pictures and things like that!  I also took your babies shopping for gifts for Melissa for Mothers Day  and a thing or two for them.  I know you looked down and smiled at us all.  You are always so good at helping out when we needed it.  I want to thank U for the sending the  special song, "If Heaven" to me at the casino.  I touched my heart so deeply.  Son, I know that you know how much dad and I miss you and wish for you to be here.  We will have to wait our turn so we can be with you once again.  Until then we will do what you would like us to do: Play with and love the grandbabies, remember you with love and special memories, and go on with our lives.  The last one is the hardest, but we will try. 

                                      Love always----Mom and Dad

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I will always remember...  / Jen Poitra (Friend, Cousin )

Gene, even though I know God has his plans for everyone and He has His reasons for everything, I cant help but ask "why?".  I once heard that if you close your eyes and remember 'that one time when...' that is what keeps you here with us.  I will always remember you Gene.  Even though your not here for us to see, you will always be here for us to feel.  May God give us all strength to keep us going without you.

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Gene was a sweetheart  / Roxanne Fairbanks (Poitra) (Friend and family )
I am so sorry to hear that we lost Gene.  I haven't kept up with my family and I just found out about Gene.  Gene and Missy were like my kids.  I loved them both Dearly.  Had lots of good laughs and great times.  Gene and Missy stayed with me for a little bit and I loved having them.  They made me smile all of the time.  I just wished I was more grown up but I still have great memories. I felt that Gene and Missy would have done anything for me that was just the kind of people they were and Missy I feel you still are.  I was so happy to see you and your so BEAUTIFUL, marriage was great for you.  Gene was great for you!  I always could tell that you both had what we call true love.  
Love Roxanne
Someone who felt like a sister and a good friend of yours when we were together.  Close

Hey you all  / Amy LaVallie (Kind of Aunt )
Le bonne a nee - couldn't sleep and was thinking bout you all and the New Year meals we shared - and how Gene-Gene would always be the loudest center of attention.  lol    He was a real character and I know how much he's missed.  My kids - his cousins still talk about him and remember him with love.  Take comfort - the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.  Hugs and more hugs - Amy. Close

three years ago today..  / Missa
Three years ago today I lost a piece of me, and peace in me. It feels that way, you know when you lose a tooth and you keep going back to feel if it is still there? When its not you know it was there, but it isn’t now. What can you do about it? Not a FUCKING THING! This is the bitterness I have been feeling lately. I don’t like it, but I guess I have to deal with it because it will not go away. I guess it is a part of grieving. Holy Shit it is horrible when these waves of emotions land in me. I am usually a grateful, happy person and love life for what it has to offer, but today is not one of those days.. If only I could grab Gene and give him one more hug, one more kiss… It would do a world of good.. If only Abby Jean could call Jesus and ask to talk to her dad, and if only Sether could feel his dad’s hand wrapped around the back of his neck and guide him on what road to take.. If only I could take the pain away from Bev, Big Gene, and Pam I would. It is a hopeless feeling because in all reality I can not do that. So, I think at times like this, that time is the road to heaven, to Gene. Just live it and make use of every second. Don’t waste it, it is too precious. Eventually everything will be okay at sometime again.
There is always something said in memory of you My Love. No matter where we are there is always someone there sharing a story about you. When whoever it is starts the story and throughout the story there is laughter. You have left a an impression on everyone you met. When the story about you ends the person has a look of disbelief because it is so hard to believe that you are truly gone. Your love you shared with us was, and still is powerful. We miss you so much. There is no way I can possibly come close to explain the feelings I have. I lost my best friend, my love.. I feel the so empty without you at times. When that happens I fall to my faith. I know I will be with you again. There is no doubt that we will be with each other again. I won’t give that hope up. It keeps me sane at times. I know the secrets of life now, and will show you, so you keep up with us if you can up there. Thank you for all the help you have given. Don’t stop if you can, please.
Seth is having a hard time. He is so much like you it scares me because I didn’t know how to help you at times and I am at a loss right now on how to help him. I am watching him at every move and trying not to push him too hard. I will go with my instincts, so if you can help me out there I sure would appreciate it. Both grandparents on each side are helping too especially granny Bev and papa Lowell. I will not let him know that he is so much like you until he is older because I want him to be his own person. It is hard not to say anything because he is sooo much like you and like I said.. Abby Jean always wonders about you. She will always know about you but she doesn’t remember much. Every once in a while she will remember things about you. Both grandma’s, pa’s, aunties, uncles, and just about everyone shares you with her and Seth. So if you have worries up there don’t. I will especially let them know. I want what you let for me and many others to be shared with them.
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Miss you!!!  / Pam Defender (Sister)

I miss you so much, your neices and nephew miss u also. It would be wonderful to just meet you on the road or see your face or to even hear your voice.  Sometimes I wonder why, but I guess I will never know why you had leave us. I wish you were here to help with your oldest neice, sometimes I would love to give her the what for, but I know she would listen to you if you gave her the what for.
Well you take care until we meet again at those beautiful gates. Our family will be together someday and we can catch up on life. Watch over all of us down here and especially Mandi girl when she is out about.  Make her safe. 


Love and Miss you dearly
Pam Your big sis

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Thank You Pam  / Mom Anderson
Pam, this website is just so great.  Thanks to you.  I know this is your "baby" and your way of coping.  I am so proud of you for taking the time and love to do this for all of us.  So proud of you, my girl.  Love Mom.  Close

On you 37th birthdate!  / MOM ANDERSON (MOTHER)

Everything I write seems to be the same, but I couldn't let the 4th of July, 2007, go by without telling you of my love and wishing you a wonderful b-day in Heaven.  I got your message loud and clear before my surgery with the crazy electrical fire in my car.  When things get pretty tough, I know that you and God's strength will see me through.  I held Abby, Seth & Devin close today-just to feel a part of you.  Sure do miss and love U so!~  Wishing you a happy birthday and reminding you of all the wonderful memories you left for all of us! Goodnight sleep tight in God's arms tonight.

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Just missing you!  / Pam (Sister)
How do I start.  The days are long and hard.  I always wish you were here.  I always seem to have a word or two about you in every breathe I take.  My kids miss you oh so much.  They wish they still had their Uncle her to help them with things that I or their dad can't seem to understand.  Mom is trying to do her best, dad doesn't say to much, you know how he is, always keep things to himself.  I miss you when I drive down the road, always waiting to meet you, or waiting for a phone call from you or just to hear your voice. 
Things are just not the same, but we seem to make due.  We live our lifes the best we can.  Some day will come when we can all be together as a family again.  Until then keep watch out for our Mandi girl she's on this little rebel kick, which I hope quits really soon, and keep your love around us and friends from afar.  "Miss you"
Love your sister Close

You would be so proud.  / Momma Anderson (Mother)
Gene, you would be so proud of your family and what they have accomplished since you left and they had to make it on their own with a little help from us now and then.  Miss is doing well in school and has no plans of quitting.  She is just as beautiful as ever.  Abby Jean (Abba dabba jean) is doing well.  She continues drawing and writing about her daddy.  She keeps looking at all the pictures so she will not forget you.  She smells you on the wind as she rides her bike.  I went to watch Devin play basket ball.  He did so well.  He is so tall, you would not believe it.  Seth is just a little animal in all his sports.  He just set a junior high record in the discuss at West Fargo.  Wow!  I know that you have seen them and at all their best times, but thought I would let you know that I am taking care of them as much as I possibly can.  Love you and miss you more than can be possible.  I speak for Dad also when I say, we'll see you again one day.    Love you, Mom and Dad. Close

no matter how young  / Missa
       Abby Jean doesn't let hereself get too close to anyone, so at bed time I take all the hugs and loves I get from her.  Every night before bed time Abby and I get comfy and snuggle up with a book. After we are done we talk to God, ask God to please take care of the world, and our family, especially Sether, and daddy. She is finally asking questions about her dad. I didn’t want to push her to talk about him because I saw the pain, the confusion in here eyes. She has a lot of anger for me for not bringing her to the wake and funeral. I was trying to protect her. I had no idea that she would have the feelings she is now having. It took her a year to realize that he was not coming back. I will remember that day forever. I will never forget. I cried with my little girl, I cried for her. I heard the sorrow in her cry, and I felt the throbbing pain in her body. She asked me to play the song “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs and she wanted me to carry her. I picked her up carefully and let her put her head on my shoulder and she started to cry. After that she slowly brought stories up about her dad. She asked me who would pull on her toes now, and crack them. So I tried a few times and she said it was not the same. She often wonders who will protect us… “I will” I tell her. Who will take care of us if you die mommy? I tell her not to worry about that, but if something should happen to me that she has Sether, and the best family in the whole wide world, and they would take care of her.
     About a month after she cried for her dad, she was in the tub making bubbles. While she was playing she asked me if Jesus could do anything. Yes I said. She asks if we could talk to Jesus. I told her yes just start talking to Him. He is always listening. She looks at me with her big, brown, sad, eyes, and wants to know if he has a phone number so we could really talk to Him. I told her that we can not do that and she said “all I want to know is if we could talk to daddy just one more time…. Please momma could we do that”. It made me sick. She is hurting like the rest of us and I had no idea. I thought she was fine.
     Abby J doesn’t remember how her daddy feels anymore, or anything about him, but I do know she does have huge void in her like the rest of us.  Close

Just thinking of you!  / Pam Defender (Sister)
Well brother its been awhile since we last have seen each other, it would sure be nice to see you again some where or some time. Things are always busy around here. I am sure it would be alot busier if you were around.
It's so hard to believe how time does really fly by, when you really don't want it to. But I guess thats life. If things didn't work the way they do we wouldn't call it life, now would we. 
Sure do miss you, my kids sure do miss you, and so does my husband. 
We all know that we will be seeing you real soon some day. Keep our Mandi girl safe out there on those roads since she is official to drive, look out world. 
With lots a love and miss you dearly your sister,
Pam  Close

The best friend of my husband and like a brother!!!!  / Kim Houle (like my big brother )
Gene  was like a brother to both my husband chad and myself our children all call him uncle Gene. We really enjoyed the time we spent with him and only wish we would of had a whole lot more. I want to say to everyone who knew and loved him that he is only gone not forgotten and we will all meet him again. My prayers go out to the entire family and i wish you all good health and love to you all take care of each other as you always have because you don't always realize what you have untill it's gone. Peace be with all of you !!!!! Close

Poem given with a Christmas ornament from special friends.  / Beverly Anderson (Mother)

 Christmas In Heaven


I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask him to lift your spirit as I tell you of your love so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing
for I am spending Christmas in heaven and I'm walking with the King.

Wanda Bencke
"copyright 1998"


The story behind the poem: Lysandra Kay Bencke was my thirteen year old handicapped daughter. On Christmas day 1997, Lysandra had a seizure and was in a coma for five days before she died. During those five days I wrote the poem "Christmas in Heaven". I sent it out in belated Christmas cards to friends and relativies that year. They also sent it on to other friends and relatives, thus how the poem and the story behind it has been changed. I can verify all the infomation in this message.

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My Dearest Brother  / Pam Defender (Sister)
This one is for you! It is so hard to believe that you are gone from this life and now entered a new life, new world. 
Things down here are not always easy and life is always unfair. 
But we must all move on and keep on living. But it just doesn't seem right to do with out you in it. Sometimes we would all like to be selfish to have you back here with us. But that wouldn't be right either, we all know that God had a plan for you and you made that decision to take it.  Things for me are getting alittle easier to deal with down here, but wish you were here to help me. 
Mom and Dad miss you so much, Mandigirl, Shy-Shy, Emylee, Moose, and Magee Tu-Tu talk about you all the time. 
On your 2 year anniversary I placed a Christmas Wreath out at your grave I hope you enjoy it. 
You are a good person and have always been, you might have been this big tough guy, but you always had a heart of gold that overflowed with love, joy and kindness for whoever you might have meet along the way. 
All this mumbo jumbo that I am writing is that it comes down to that I miss you soo much each and everyday, and that some day I will get to see you "My Brother". For now you just keep on "Roping the Stars" and keep your beautiful wings wrapped around us for the whatever may come our way.

Love you my Brother and miss you
Your Sister Pam Close

LIVES BUILT AROUND YOU  / Miss (Wife)
It has been the toughest two years of my life without you. I miss you, my best friend, my love. At times it is hard to go on without you. I miss having you here for me. I am truly lost without you. I beg God to help me along this journey without you. It is hard my love, and I wonder why we are here. Then I remember it is not about us… It is about God. Love who we are and who is among us. Pass that love onto others. I look back, and that is what you did, Gene. You passed on a legacy of your kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, and love. We learned by you. By you living your life the way you did. You’ll be remembered in generation through our children. Our children, and family will pass that on. Be proud my love. You did your job well. I am proud of you and happy for you, although I am so sad for us left behind. Please understand… I can not stop the festering feelings and emptiness you left behind and I’m kinda mad at you right now. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all. I guess it is part of grieving. It is a sad day today. This roll a coaster of emotions is exhausting. I am still trying my best in this crazy world. Our children are too. Be proud my love… I miss you… I love you… Miss Close

Two Sad and Lonely Years!  / Bev (Momma) Anderson (mother)
Two Sad and Lonely Years
Dec. 17, 2004-Dec. 17, 2006
by Momma

Gene, You are…
A tear on my cheek
A pain in my heart
Wetness in my eye
A sigh of time passing by
Miss you so much
Two full years since we’ve been apart

You are…
Always in my heart
A protector in life and an angel above
I still hope for your return
Two full years since we’ve been apart

You are…
Always remembered by family and friends
Missa is my girl now and will always be
Seth is trying so hard to be like his dad
Abby remembers you in her dreams
Devin likes to talk about Daddy Gene
Of these kids you would be proud.
Two full years since we’ve been apart

You are…
Dearly missed by all of us
Dad and I would love your messes once again
Roping is just not the same.
The babies still call your name
Two full years since we’ve been apart


You are…
A star twinkling brightest in the night
My angel up above
Making visits to those you love
A spirit flying free at last
YOU ARE MISSED!
Two full years since we’ve been apart

Love from your family,
Gene Anderson, Jr. Family
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Time to say "Hello"  / Momma Bev Anderson (Mother)
Hello, my boy!  (you'll always be that to me).  I talked to Sether last nite.  He won his first wrestling match.  It was the first one he had so far.  He said he misses his number one fans.  That would have been you and me.  I will watch him wrestle this weekend.  I'll tell him to "be aggressive".  (ha).  He just seems to have that in his genes.  I thought I would have been able to just sit back and  watch him wrestle.  But now that you are gone, I have to be his coach when I am able to go to the meets.   Had a nice Thanksgiving, set out a plate for you, and told favorite memories of you.  (sure do miss you at times like this).  The dreadful month of December will be here soon.  The month you left us.  It will be two years then.  I am not anxious for that day.  I talked to a lady who lost her son 11 years ago.  She said the loneliness never goes away.  I know you would not be missing this cold weather.  It is  -7 degrees and with the windchill, it is minus 32 degrees.        Have to close.  Love and miss you always.  You are in my heart forever.  My boy.  Love from mom and dad.  Close

20 months ago  / Momma Anderson (mother)
Well, son, lit a candle for you today.  You are in my thoughts daily and in my heart, you'll  be forever.  It's been 20 months now and soon it will be 2 years since our hearts were permanently broken.  Seth sure is playing football the way you used to.  I don't have to tell him to "be agressive".  He is making a big impression on the folks in West Fargo.  He is playing in all kinds of positions.  They won their first game and I know you saw it all.  Thank you for the wonderful dream you gave me last week.  It was wonderful to have you near me once again.  We had a wonderful  visit.  I understand one of your roping and hunting friends is  having dreams of you also.  I got the message that you wanted me to understand.  I haven't talked or had Devin over in a month.  I will take care of that.  Miss and Abby are adjusting over in Fargo.  I get hugs and kisses over the phone and spoil them when they are home.  
     Lots of Love and Kisses from me and dad.   Sure miss you, our baby.  Close