Robert L. Anderson, M.D.

Robert L. Anderson, M.D., 78, of Iron Mountain, died Sun. October 24, 2010 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. He was born on January 31, 1932 in Menominee, MI. Robert graduated from Menominee High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Navy, being stationed in both Washington D.C. and Key West. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University and then graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School. As the top pathology student, he received the Carl Wellar Award. Robert became the first pathologist on staff at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. He loved his career and was very dedicated to it. He became a member of the “founding fathers� and helped provide the solid foundation and courageous vision from which the current Dickinson County Healthcare System has grown. He was the county’s first Medical Examiner, a position he held for forty years. He served as the Iron County Medical Examiner and Chief Pathologist for the Iron County Community Hospital for many years. He also served at the VAMC where he was the Chief Pathologist for ten years. He was affectionately called “Dr. Bob� by his colleagues and on Dec. 11, 2008 the hospital dedicated the “Robert L. Anderson MD Laboratory�. He served in many leadership roles within the medical staff. He completed a term as Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff, was the Chairman of the Physician recruitment Committee, and was the Blood Bank Committee. He originated the Tumor Board and served as a member of the Infectious Disease Committee and the Credentials Committee. In 1999 he was awarded the Excellence in Service Award. Bob was a life member of the Kiwanis Club and had served on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army. He was involved with the International Child Care-Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti. He had a strong faith and was an active member of the First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. Bob held many offices within the church, sang in the choir, and was also involved in Bible study and Sunday School. Bob enjoyed fishing, woodworking, painting, reading, and music. Robert married Verna Peterson in Iron Mountain in 1957 and she preceded him in death in 1996. He married Yvonne “Bonnie� DeBoer on July 27, 1997 in Kingsford. Robert is survived by his wife Bonnie, eight children Heidi (Jeff) Gustafson of Green Bay, Kirsten Anderson, M.D. (Michael Bennett, M.D.) of Ada, MI, Erik (Margaret M.D.) Anderson, M.D. of Wausau, WI, Kirk (Debra) Townander of Libertyville, IL, Mark (Katherine) DeBoer of Killarney, Ireland, Linda (Robert) Plumley of Iron Mountain, Judy DeBoer of Marquette, MI, and Deborah (Robert) Stapleton of Savage, MN, fifteen grandchildren Erik, Brent and Kathryn Gustafson, Kelsi and Gustaf Anderson, Soren, Kirsten, and Arwen Townander, Jason (Sejal, M.D.) Bennett, M.D., Aaron Bennett, Amy (Ryan) Emmrich, Edward Plumley, Jr., Tressa, Tony, and David Mattioli, and Elise and Maxwell Stapleton, and four great grandchildren Alaina and Rohan Bennett, and Sophia and Sasha Emmrich. He was preceded in death by his mother Katherine Wickman Anderson. Visitation will be Thurs. from 4-7pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Fri. from 10-11am at First Covenant Church. Funeral services will be Fri. at 11am at the church. Rev. Peter Erickson will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to International Childcare-Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti, The Salvation Army in Iron Mountain, or Covenant Point Bible Camp in Iron River. Condolences to the family of Dr. Robert L. Anderson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.