Carl E. Anderson, 80, whose passionate devotion to the preservation of Swedish culture in Chicago earned him the recognition of Sweden’s royalty, died of pneumonia Monday at Maryhaven nursing home in Glenview. He had lived in Chicago all of his life before moving to Glenview six years ago. The son of Swedish immigrants, Mr. Anderson grew up in a predominantly Swedish neighborhood around Clark Street and Foster Avenue and spoke only Swedish until he entered school. After serving in the Army during World War II, he began working as a technician at Western Electric Co. As a side business, he repaired electrical appliances, and often worked on radios sent from around the country. He was a professional singer who also performed with the Chicago Swedish Glee Club, the Orphei Singing Club, the Bjornson Singing Society and the Swedish Male Chorus. He was president of the American Union of Swedish Singers from 1974 to 1978. In 1977, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden knighted him and gave him the Order of the North Star for his work in establishing the American Union of Swedish Singers archives at Rockford Museum. His interest in Swedish culture “was a big part of his life,” recalled his friend and former co-worker, Earl Bruckner. Mr. Anderson is survived by his daughters, Carlin Horbal and Gail Anderson; a granddaughter; and a grandson. A memorial service was held Friday.
