Bengt Reed Anderson, 54, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on August 25th, 2021. Known for his strength and perseverance, he gave it his all, leaving no stone unturned getting life-extending treatment for Metastatic Melanoma.
Bengt was born on July 26, 1967, as a citizen of the United States, but born offshore with his maternal family in Jönköping, Sweden to parents Mark Reed and Kerstin G. (nee Axelsson) Anderson. Bengt took his first international trip home to the USA when he was three months old. Bengt was joined a little over 3 years later when his dear sister was born. Two peas in a pod, they spent an idyllic childhood growing up together near Burlington, IL.
He attended Burlington Central High School from 1981-1985 where he joined FFA and made lifelong friends who remained bonded through the years and showed up for each other through all of life’s up and downs.
In 1989 he graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Economics and joined his family business, BDG International, Inc. He took on many different roles throughout his career, evolving to his final role as President.
During his distinguished profession, he was dedicated to collaborating with the international trade community through sales and leadership. Over the course of his 32-year career, he traveled to 28 nations on 4 continents and 37 states. Bengt was an integral part of expanding the business to New Delhi and Mumbai, India.
On October 21, 1995, he married his true love Tricia Lynn Kushman and together they raised two remarkable children, Lauren Regina May and Evan Reed Thomas. Bengt’s proudest achievement was guiding his children with life lessons to become well rounded human beings with strong integrity.
Bengt had a zest for life. He was a true adventurer who loved to explore new places, try new foods, and gaze at the stars. He was a proud member of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers Club. He loved nothing more than an off-road bike trail or taking the family on the road less traveled. Whether it was a trip to Door County, canoeing down the Kickapoo River, fishing at Trout Lake Resort or loading up the camper for the long weekend; those were the simple pleasures that filled his heart.
Bengt is survived by his wife, Tricia Anderson, his children, Lauren Regina May Anderson (15) and Evan Reed Thomas Anderson (12) his father, Mark Reed Anderson, his sister, Lisa Victoria (Kurt) Waller and her children, Annika May Waller and Konrad Reed Waller, Tricia’s sister, Tracy Leigh (Patrick) Finegan, and her children, Liam Thomas Francis Finegan and Declan Patrick Finegan. Bengt is now reunited with his beloved mother Kerstin G. Anderson.
“Love, like the ocean, continues beyond the horizon…
and life, like the sun, shines where we cannot see.”
Bengt made a lasting impression on anyone whose path he crossed. We invite you to join us and celebrate his life together.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 30th, 2021.
Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 1:00pm at
DeFiore Funeral Home
10763 Dundee Road
Huntley, IL 60142
Service of remembrance begins at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dark Sky Organization
https://darksky.salsalabs.org
or
NSA Club
Northwest Suburban Astronomers
PO Box 1202
Arlington Heights, IL 60006-1202
https://nsaclub.org
*Due to Covid-19 mandates, masks will be required at the visitation and service.
For anyone wishing to attend virtually, the service will be streamed live on the DeFiore Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/defiorefuneral/
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Thankful for the season of seeing BA and Tricia fall in life and begin a life together. BA was fun, inclusive, and always had a smart answer, which I loved. Sending love, compassion and prayers to Tricia and the whole family!
Sending love to you always.
Some stars shine brighter in the world. You're that star Bengt. We never forget you, love you always.
BA, I hold all my memories in my heart whether it was family camping, Packer games or visiting your home in IL, I am truly honored to have known you. Until we meet again my friend……
Bengt was a good guy. We always had a lot of fun at NSA events and at Prairie Skies Star Party. Will miss him. My condolences to his family and friends.
My Deepest Sympathy for Bengt’s Family and Friends ❤️
My sincere condolences to all of Bengts friends and family. He has left us to young. The years he spent on earth were full of love for his wife and children and family. Begnt enjoyed the adventures with his wife and children and being a husband and father. May his memory be blessing to all.
Dear Bengt, These words are coming much too early. I think it was the combination of your Swedish background, Your personality and Your awesome family that connected us in a way that I seldom do. I admired you for always putting your family and friends first at the same time running a global company. I’m so thankful for getting to know you and your family. I’m thankful for the good times we spent partying and talking about important and non-important things. I’m thankful that you all came and visited us in Sweden. Looking out at the backyard deck often reminds me of that summer. I want to thank you for being part of some of the best years in our life! (or as we would say in Swedish: Tack för att du var en del av några av våra bästa år!). You´ll be forever missed! Until we meet again, rest in peace (tills vi ses igen, vila i frid). Med all värme & kärlek (our warmest thoughts and love) // The Johanssons
Dear Lisa and all family of Bengt, We are sending our deepest condolences for the loss of your brother, son, father and husband. What a zest for life that was had. May he rest in peace now and know that we all continue to send the largest hugs possible during this difficult time. Hold onto each other tighter and embrace every dsy. Sincerely, Dorothea and Monika Klaus, Nadine with Samantha and Lukas