Tributes, donations after death of popular South High School teacher

More than $9,000 has been raised for the family of a former South High School teacher after his death.

South High School in Minneapolis announced the death of Neil Anderson on its Facebook page Monday. Anderson was a teacher and swim coach at South High School. Anderson taught from the mid-1980s to around 2013 or 2014, according to the post.

A GoFundMe was set up on Monday to support Anderson’s family. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised more than $9,000 of its $15,000 goal. The page does not share details about his cause of death.

“Unfortunately, I share the devastating news that my father has gained his angel wings. I apologize if this is the way that you are receiving the news, however my father had such an effect on those he met and he touched so many lives that I felt it was best to share this,” Anderson’s daughter, Lauren, wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Anderson’s wife, Beth, also taught at South High School for more than 20 years. She was a science teacher, and died in 2006 at the age of 44.

"I am at a loss for words to explain how unexpected this is, but I have a sense of peace knowing he gets to be in the arms of the love of his life at last, again. They now have the two best seats in the house to watch Duke basketball together,” Lauren said.

The tribute, which Lauren posted on her Facebook page, prompted a flood of comments from those who knew and were taught by Anderson.