Robert Edward Anderson

Tacoma, Wash. - Robert Edward Anderson was born October 29, 1932, in Mansfield, S.D., and was received in Heaven by his parents, Swen Anderson and Amy Peterson, and his sister, Jean Alvede (Merle) Finley, who passed away in June 2003, and his brother, Wallace Leon, who passed away at six weeks of age in 1934. He is survived by his loving wife, Delores Anderson; daughter, Cathleen; son, Robert (D'Ann); brothers, Carl (Eve) Anderson, all of Tacoma, Wash., and Walter (Barbara) Anderson of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Kristen, Sharese, Owen, Joshua, and Jason; as well as a host of relatives and friends. He graduated from Cresbard High School in 1950 and furthered his education in Minot, N.D., at Hanson Mechanical Trade School in 1953. He married Delores in October 1956 and moved to Tacoma, where he found work for the Garden Dept. at Western State Hospital. He was later promoted to Garden Manager. When Western State Hospital closed down its farm, Robert (known as “Andy”) transferred to Motor Pool and after 37 years of service retired as Heavy Equipment Operator #3. Robert has been a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1956. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the choir, a Board Member, an usher, and also spent time doing maintenance at the church. He owned and operated his own business, Anderson Concrete Products from 1965 to 1974. Robert was also a lifetime member of the Lakewood Elks #2388 and a past president of the Lakewood Eagles #4093. He was also a member of the RPEC Chapter #10 of the State Employees Retirement Union. Many of his joys in life centered around his family and friends, gardening, travel, tractors, bulldozers, bingo and collecting antique guns. He passed away quietly at home surrounded by his loving family. Robert will be greatly missed by many. A celebration of Robert's life was held July 9, 2003, in Tacoma. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home, (253) 584-0252. Please sign online guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.