Joel Anderson, 54

If you were lucky enough to have known Joel, your life was blessed! His big smile and handsome face, charismatic personality, his firm handshake and big shoulder hugs, he was a human not to forget! He was known for his kindness and authentic self! God, family and friends were most important in his life. 

Joel Matthew Anderson, 54, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully from cardiac arrest at his home on Dec. 29, 2022. He was born Jan. 14, 1968, in Stuttgart, Germany, to his parents, Terry Anderson and Loretta Wood. Joel’s roots were in Challis and Boise, Idaho.  

Joel moved to Post Falls with his family in 1975 and attended his school years in Post Falls, Idaho. Joel spent some years in Oregon directly after graduating high school but was drawn back to Coeur d’Alene, his hometown comfort. Joel met and later married Shawn Rutherford Anderson and they raised their two boys together in Coeur d'Alene. Joel started framing homes and he instantly knew he wanted to be a home builder. Joel then began creating and founded his own business Monarch Development, Inc., with the help of his uncle Monte Hess, and many others who believed in his dream and supported him. Every prestigious crafted home he built was a reflection of his work ethics, compassion, creativity and amazing quality. After 30 years, his legacy and company has earned the reputation as one of North Idaho’s premier custom home builders, Monarch Custom Homes. 

If Joel wasn’t working, you’d find him somewhere in the mountains. He was an avid outdoorsman and escaped as often as possible. He loved his elk hunting camp, deer hunting and get-a-ways snowmobiling and sharing adventures with friends. During the summer months, Joel spent his time up at his river property enjoying peace, friends, and family. His love for animals and nature also brought him much contentment. Joel’s favorite destination in the winter was Mexico. He loved the sunshine, warm sand, and the beauty of the ocean. 

Joel is preceded in death by his step-dad, who he loved and lost this spring, Steve Wood; grandpas, grandmothers and many other family members. 

Joel is survived by his immediate family: his two beloved sons, Baley and Gavin Anderson; his mother, Loretta Wood; his father, Terry Anderson, and wife Pat; his sister, Kim Anderson, and her three children, Selena, Cole and Blaine Rutherford; half-brother Wade Luthy; step-sister Sheila Anderson; and step-brother Lesley Schrader. Joel also leaves behind his loving fiancé, Kerri Benson, in which he shared his daily life. He also leaves his new pup, Nolan, and his longtime lab friend, Cooper. Also included is a huge beloved extended family, friends and working associates. 

A private family viewing was held Jan. 3 and his cremation followed. A celebration of life will be held in Joel’s honor this summer at his river property where his ashes will be scattered. Remaining ashes will be interned in his urn at the Challis Cemetery this fall. 

The family would like to graciously thank everyone for the tremendous outpour of love we have received. 

Please sign Joel’s guest registry and view his online memorial and pictures at: www.englishfuneralchapel.com.