William ‘Bill’ Anders, one of the first three people to travel to the Moon, passed away on June 7, 2024, leaving behind a loving family.
Bill’s wife, Valerie Anders, was by his side since they tied the knot in 1955, and together they raised six children – Alan, Glen, Gregory, Eric, Gayle, and Daina.
Valerie, who often stayed out of the spotlight, co-founded the Anders Foundation with her late husband.
During Bill’s historic Apollo 8 space mission in 1968, Valerie stayed at home with their children, navigating the challenges of being part of the Apollo astronaut’s family.
She recalled in an interview how they weren’t prepared for the public attention that came with her husband’s high-profile career.
Despite the struggles, she maintained a strong support system within the astronaut wives’ community.
Bill’s love for flying never faded, as he owned a vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor.
Tragically, on June 7, 2024, the plane crashed, resulting in Bill’s passing at the age of 90. His son, Greg Anders, described him as a great pilot who will be missed. The details surrounding the crash remain unclear.
Although the Anders children have largely remained out of the public eye, Valerie reflects on the challenges of raising a family while her husband was away on missions.
Despite the difficulties, the Anders family remained close-knit, with six children and 13 grandchildren.
