John Anderson, a former Illinois congressman, passed away at the age of 95.

Anderson earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Illinois in 1942, and his law degree in 1946. A veteran of World War II, he received a second law degree from Harvard University when he returned hom from the war.

He practiced law in Rockford until 1952. In 1956, he was elected Winnebago County state's attorney, where he served until he won his congressional seat in 1960. He served in Congress until 1981. He sought the Republication presidential nomination in 1980, and ran against Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan as an independent.

When he left politics, he returned to the practice of law, taught, and authored books and editorials.

Anderson is survived by his wife; son John Jr.; daughters Eleanora, Diane, Karen and Susan; and 11 grandchildren.