Robert Anderson

Visitation Date: Saturday, November 14, 2020
Visitation Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2020
Funeral Time: 12:00 pm
Place of Funeral: Chapel Service at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels
Funeral Notes: During visiting hours, it is still recommended to follow the current State of Illinois Guidelines, and guests should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Interment: Burial Private

SCHAUMBURG – Robert E. Anderson, age 86, beloved husband for 63 years of Laurel Anderson; devoted father of Katherine (Michael) Williams and Donald (Susan) Anderson; cherished grandfather of Patrick (Staci) Anderson, Kristen Anderson and Emma Williams, proud great grandfather of Harper and Maxton Anderson; dear brother of the late Walter (Helen) Anderson and the late Art Anderson. Funeral Saturday, family and friends may gather Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Salerno Rosedale Chapels 450 W. Lake St. Roselle, IL. 60172 (3/4 mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Rd.) Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. During visiting hours, it is still recommended to follow the State of Illinois guidelines limiting gathering and guests should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. Interment will be private. For information, 630-889-1700 or www.salernofuneralhomes.com. Memorial donations may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 304 W. Palatine Rd. Prospect Heights, IL. 60070 or Alexian Brothers Hospice House. 901 Martha St. Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007.

Robert (Bob) Anderson was born on January 11, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Florence (Collister) Anderson. He was the youngest of three children preceded in death by his brothers, Walter (Helen) Anderson and Art Anderson.

Bob grew up in Chicago, Illinois. His childhood was difficult as his father passed away as the result of a car accident when Bob was only two years old. He was raised by his mother and was always considered the “baby” brother. Bob entered the Navy in 1951 and served the majority of his time in Cuba and was honorably discharged in February of 1956.

Upon returning home he reconnected with Laurel and they were married on September 29, 1956, at Tabor Lutheran Church. They were happily married for 62 years. They spent their early years living in an apartment in Chicago, but eventually saved enough money with Bob working two jobs to purchase a house in Wheeling, Illinois. On June 24, 1958, Bob and Laurel welcomed their daughter Katherine (Michael). When they moved into their Wheeling home, Laurel was seven months pregnant with their son Donald (Susan), who they welcomed into the world on November 19, 1961. It was then that Bob and Laurel became members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They have remained members ever since. When they moved to Wheeling Bob’s passion became fixing up and remodeling the “dream home” they always wanted, complete with cold beer on tap, where he always kept an extra keg on hand. There they happily resided until 2018 when they moved to Friendship Village in Schaumburg. Bob was the grandfather of Patrick (Staci) Anderson, Kristen Anderson, Emma Williams (Ryan Parenteau), and great grandfather to Harper and Maxton Anderson. He was Uncle Bob to many.

Bob was very active in the Disabled American Veterans, Salt Creek Chapter #93, for many years, working up to the rank of Commander. He served alongside Laurel, providing numerous celebrations and parties for the veterans at Hines VA Hospital. Bob worked as a salesman for 32 years at American Tobacco and retired at the age of 55. He was a natural born salesman that could talk to anyone at any time. His humorous banter continued even in the hospital where he regularly asked the nurses when it was Miller Time. He almost met his goal of being retired for as many years as he worked. In retirement Bob and Laurel visited family and friends as far away as the Isle of Man and Canada. However, their travels mostly consisted of visiting Kathy and her family in Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut and Arizona.

Bob was fortunate to enjoy good health for the majority of his life and on October 12, 2020 was admitted to the hospital with a fractured back and there it was determined that he was also suffering from Ogilvie syndrome which made his body unable to absorb nutrients. After numerous tests and procedures, nothing more could be done and he was transferred to Hospice on November 6, 2020. We were grateful that hospice provided the chance for many family visits and Facetime calls.

On November 12, 2020 while at Alexian Brother’s Hospice Home in Elk Grove Village, Bob was called to heaven with his savior Jesus Christ at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 1 day. We mourn his death, yet we are grateful that he is with Jesus and Mom. We also trust in Jesus’ resurrection promise to us that those who believe in Him will meet again in heaven, and we look forward to when we will see Dad again.