Robert Anderson

Robert L. (Bob) Anderson, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, Feb 1st at Shorehaven Lutheran Homes. Born at home in Negaunee, Michigan on May 25, 1915, Bob was the youngest of nine children of Anders and Anna Anderson. After graduating from Northern Michigan University in 1939 with a degree in Industrial Arts, Bob took a teaching position in Alpha, Michigan. It was at a boarding house they both lived at that Bob met a young teacher from North Dakota, Beatrice Bakken, who soon became the love of his life. World War II interrupted his teaching career, and shortly after joining the Navy, he persuaded Bea to join him in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was stationed. On Sept 12, 1942 they were wed, beginning a 62 year marriage that ended when Bea died in 2008. 'She was the best thing that ever happened to me' he often said. Bob and Bea moved to Oconomowoc in 1954 where he took a job with the Carnation Company, retiring in 1980. They were very involved in the Christian and Missionary Alliance church, where for over 30 years Bob was Sunday school treasurer and Bea taught Sunday school. Bob was very proud of his Swedish heritage, speaking Swedish to all inclined to listen, and even some who were not. As a master woodworker, he crafted many fine furniture pieces and developed a local reputation for restoring antiques. Sadly, when age and dementia robbed him of his ability to care for himself, he moved into and has resided at Shorehaven since 2008. Survivors include his children: James (Sandra) of Madison, Edward (Marty) of Oshkosh and Nancy (Bruce) White of Oconomowoc, along with seven grandchildren: Brek (Lisa) Anderson and Erika (Enda) Odonohoe of Madison, Erin Anderson of Chicago, Elissa Anderson of Palatine, Ill, Brian (Kara) White of Wauwatosa, Aaron (Zide) White of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Andrew (Charise) White, Oconomowoc. Great grandchildren include Drew and Chloe Anderson, Madison, Riley Odonohoe, Madison, Jack and Anna White, Wauwatosa, and Claire White, Oconomowoc. A private family funeral service was held at Shorehaven. Donations can be made to Wisconsin Public Radio. The family would like to thank the staff at Shorehaven, especially the Greenland caretakers, for making the remaining years of his life as comfortable and dignified as they could be. Even though he couldn't remember who they were, he often had a satisfied smile when he realized that everyone seemed to know his name.