Robert E. Anderson

Robert Ethen Anderson, ?Bob?, was born October 27, 1940, on the family farm near Garfield, the son of Clifford and Minnie (Middleton) Anderson. He was baptized by Rev. Hanson at Gene Lake?s farm. His brother Roland Anderson and his sister Dolores (Anderson) Kvilhaug were his sponsors. Bob was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria by Rev. Rudd. He attended District 99 country school and graduated from Central High School in Alexandria. Bob served in the in the Army National Guard for 4 years. He was in construction work and farmed. He also worked for 3M for twenty years. He retired at the age of fifty-seven years. Bob enjoyed attending all of the many family events through the years, picnics, birthdays, weddings and holidays. He was a great conversationalist, and loved keeping up on everyone?s life. He routinely drove around the neighborhood in his Dodge Ram truck, keeping track of all of the fieldwork. After he retired, he sometimes helped his renters with their fieldwork, driving tractor and helping with harvesting. Bob, sometimes called ?Big Blue? was a big, strong man with a tender heart who had many friends; he was a good listener and was non-judgmental. His blue eyes were full of expression. His pride and joy was his Doberman Pinscher, Toby Robert. He bought Toby when he was sixty-eight years old after wanting one since he was eight years old. Bob told his niece that ?Toby was the best thing that ever happened to me? to which she responded? that says a lot about the rest of us?! Bob was proud of his home and farm where he was born and raised. He did not want to leave it but finally agreed to go to the hospital on May 20th after two years of much persuasion by his family and friends. Bob was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. He returned home where he was cared for until his death on Sunday, July 18, 2010. Bob was kept comfortable and said he ?couldn?t have it any better?. Toby Robert was by his side much of the time. On July15th family members and friends, including Rev. John Peshek, gathered in Bob?s living room alongside his bed to share Holy Communion. From the time Bob was hospitalized in May until his death he received five hundred fifty-five visitors. He was truly a well-loved man and his memory will be cherished forever. Bob is survived by his sisters, Dolores Kvilhaug and Lavonne Peterson; sister-in-law, Arlene Anderson; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins and was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roland, Russell and Clinton Anderson; and his ex-wife, Lois (Olson) Anderson; sister-in-law Viola Anderson, Brothers-in-law, Norman Kvilhaug and Clifford Peterson; and nephews, Perry Anderson and Richard Kvilhaug. A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend John Peshek officiated. Miriam Thornquist and Virginia Hegre provided music. Interment followed in Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers include, Robin Kvilhaug, Rallie Kvilhaug, Clifton Peterson, Allen Nelson, Bruce Haugen, Kurt Reller, Lonnie Eddy, Kevin Eddy, Dennis Ruehle and Kendon Anderson. Honorary casket bearers include Gerald Nelson, Art Isaacson, Gordy Swanson, John Erickson, Arnold Angen, Steve Wendland and Romaine Norling. Memorials are preferred to the Douglas County Hospice. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.