Robert Anderson

1934 - 2025

Robert "Andy" Anderson
07/25/1934 - 03/24/2025
Robert "Andy" Anderson age 90 of Manistee, MI passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, March 24 at the Manistee Medical Care in Manistee with his loving wife by his side. Andy was born on July 25, 1934 in Manistee, as the son of the late Floyd and Lucille (Wisneski) Anderson.
Andy graduated from Manistee High School in 1952 and then served in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Andy earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Andy did his student teaching and coached basketball at Mason County Central Schools in Scottville.
Andy married Nancy Boertman on June 15, 1957 at Guardian Angel's Church in Manistee, and celebrated over 67 years of matrimony. Andy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. Andy was known for his "one-liners" that always made people laugh. He loved all of his family, but often said, "maybe if I would have had one more kid, they would have been normal." He also loved his wife very much and said, "Nancy is the head, and I am just the tail–that is why our marriage is so successful!"
Andy started teaching at Filer City School and then Manistee Public Schools from 1961-1992. He received the "Teacher of the Year" award numerous times and truly enjoyed teaching History and English. He coached both football and basketball at Filer City School and Manistee High School because of his love for the kids and sports. Even after retirement, at the age of 68, Andy was a substitute teacher at Manistee Catholic Central Schools and Manistee Public Schools.
Andy was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Walsh Post 4499, a member of the American Legion Post 10, Moose Lodge 1128, and Eagles Aerie 1765 (where he served as a Past President). His favorite pastime was spending time with his wife Nancy and dining out with friends. He was an avid player of horseshoes, lawn darts, cornhole, bowling, cards, and made the most of winters snowmobiling with friends. Andy never sat still and was known for always working in his yard, and even snow blowing driveways around the neighborhood!
Andy was a lifelong member of the Divine Mercy Parish, and Guardian Angels Catholic Church.
Along with his love for kids and teaching, Andy enjoyed selling cars since 1966 at Mowry Buick Pontiac Oldsmobile GMC. He also sold real estate for Lyman Realty.
Andy loved spending time and holidays with his grandkids, but he also said, "I love watching them come, but I love seeing the tail lights as they go!"
Andy is survived by his wife, Nancy of Manistee; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Scott Schmeling of Manistee; son, Richard Anderson of Manistee; son-in-law, Michael McKenna; eleven grandchildren, Matthew and Kristin Bauman of Traverse City, Joshua and Stephanie Bauman of Holland, Elise (Bauman) John Chalko of Fountain, Ashley Bauman of Jenison and fiancee Adam Pilecki of Pleasant Ridge, Kylie (Bauman) Michael Kepes of Lincoln Park, Samantha (Anderson) Mark Horney of Grand Rapids, Mallory Anderson and boyfriend Michael Schaendorf of Saranac, Austin and Haley McKenna of Zeeland, Allison (McKenna) Ben Huttenga of Wyoming, Shane Anderson of Manistee, Mitchell Anderson of Mt. Pleasant; he is also survived by 16 great grandchildren, Mikey, Jacob, Luke, Ben, and Joe Bauman, Jonathan, Charlie, and Ben Bauman, Anderson, Hudson, and Coleson Chalko, Elaine Kepes, Beckham Schaendorf, Adalynn and Laine McKenna, and Easton Huttenga.
Andy is also survived by his brother-in-law, David Boertman (Pat Sagala) of Manistee; and numerous nephews. He loved spending time with David, and looked forward to Wednesday mornings with breakfast and gaming at the casino.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Harry and Lenore Boertman; sister, Virginia Hummel; his daughters, Kelly McKenna, Jill Anderson; son-in-law, Michael Bauman; and grandson, Alex McKenna.
Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Guardian Angels
Catholic Church in Manistee with Rev. James Bearss Celebrant. Final interment will take place at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, where members of the Manistee County Untied Veterans Council will present military honors.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements, and the family will receive guests at Guardian Angels Church two hours prior to Wednesday's Mass at 12 p.m.
Andy's family is grateful for the kind and thoughtful staff at Manistee Medical Care Facility and Hospice of Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages supporting the Guardian Angel's Church Restoration Fund with a check payable to: Divine Mercy with the memo noting:
Guardian Angel's Restoration Fund.