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BORN
1929
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Anderson Obituary
Richard P. Anderson, 90, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 1, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard (Dick) was the son of Harold and Margaret (Meilink) Anderson. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on April 10, 1929, just months before the onset of the Great Depression. He received his education at Maumee St Joseph's Catholic School, Toledo Central Catholic High School, and Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Dairy Science and was a proud member of Farmhouse Fraternity. Upon graduation, he spent 2 years in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant.
Dick was raised on a dairy farm where he later built his own home and raised his family. He frequently expressed gratitude for the blessing of spending his entire life on that same piece of property. Staying home from high school for two years to help operate the farm while his older brothers were away in the service during WWII, Dick learned the value of work, the importance of family, and the depth, breadth, and value of his capabilities.
In 1953, Dick married Frances Heilman, and together they raised 6 children, who will be forever grateful for the example they set as a couple, as parents, and as people. Throughout their 66-year marriage, Dick and Fran shared a tender lightheartedness that may have been the secret to their stability. Their individual talents blended in a unique way that magnified their impact as a couple.
Along with his dad, mom and five siblings, Dick was a founding member of The Andersons, a family agribusiness. He spent his entire working career intimately involved in helping that organization grow from a single facility in 1947 to the large public company that it is today. He started unloading grain trucks as an 18-year-old in 1947. He played an instrumental role in the company's expansion into adjacent industries in retailing and plant nutrients. As the company's chief executive from 1984 to 1999, he guided the organization through some challenging times including a severe drought in 1988 and the conversion from a family partnership to a public corporation in 1996.
In addition to his career, he lived a life of service to the community. He spent endless hours sharing his time, talent, and treasure with dozens of charitable organizations.
After retirement, he gracefully transitioned his energy and insight into a second life that included skiing with his children and grandchildren, international bicycle trips with his wife and friends, woodworking, gardening, and engagement with the Toledo Symphony, its musicians and their music.
Dick is survived by his wife, Fran, and their children, Chris & Susan Anderson, Dan & Lynn Anderson, Jim & Kristan Anderson, Martha & John Corcoran, Jenny & Von Miller, and Tim & Donna Anderson; 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Kraus; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Tom, Bob, Don and sister, Sue.
Friends and family will be received at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo on Thursday, March 5, 2020 and Friday March 6, 2020 from 3-8 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at the church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Toledo Symphony, the Sisters of Notre Dame-United in One Heart campaign, St. Joan of Arc Church, or the Toledo Museum of Art. Arrangements by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com
walkerfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Anderson
Dr. R. G. Packo
March 9, 2020
Mrs. Anderson, Chris, Jim, Dan, Tim and sisters you have our deepest condolences.
The Packo's
Cornel Edwards
March 6, 2020
Mr.Anderson took me on a field trip to the Anderson's Maumee store and showed me the silos in 1977 when I attended Woodward High School.I got to thak him years later!RIP
Jack Michael
March 6, 2020
When I graduated from Maumee High School I got a summer job working out in the yard. Dick was in charge of the market and other things. I eventually got a job during summers working as their courier. My favorite job was working and eventually running the summer program on the farm for the employees children.
The entire Anderson family was phenomenal and I will always treasure my time with all of them. Dick's wife Frannie, was a classmate of my sister so I used to hear all the goings on that way, but to be in the presence of Dick was like being in the presence of greatness.
Many people will be affected by Dicks passing all over the world. My thoughts and prayers are with Frannie and the family.
Robert WILES
March 5, 2020
While I did not personally know Brother Dick he was a legend at MSU FarmHouse. My Voc-Ag teacher Robert E. Braden knew Dick well and shared his respect for the Anderson family...business...and philanthropy. I became a member in 1963 and always heard and read of his beliefs and contributions.
We are sad for his loss and very PROUD of his work ethic, tenacity, knowledge, and values.
Dick will join his parents and siblings in heaven and the line of FarmHouse men will surround him with admiration and respect.
Robert W."BOB" WILES. MSU-FH'63
Tricia Gudeman
March 5, 2020
Of all the family, I remember Dick the most. I remember meeting him as a child and shaking his enormous hands which were accompanied by a warm, friendly smile. I am honored to be a distant relative. My condolences to the family. Tricia Gudeman (Bill - cousin to Dick - and Pat Howard's youngest)
Jim Brown
March 5, 2020
To The Anderson Family:
May you find comfort in warm memories of the beautiful life that has passed. May you find peace in the assurance that an even more beautiful life has begun for your loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Spy
March 4, 2020
I knew Dick and many of his sons. He and they are such positive and generous people. The world will be less with him gone.
Scott Jones
March 4, 2020
It is with fond memories that I recall my opportunity to know Dick and his family. I am one of the fortunate ones in this world who had the chance to learn the grain business from the most honest, hardworking, charitable people in the business. To this day I know their core belief of treating the customer as you would want to be treated made them leaders that so many others can learn from and look up to. Thank you and God Bless.
Diane McPherson
March 4, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing, but know he is in Heaven, doing what Dick always did..and that was, managing the business and, even more important to him, being a wonderful father, husband and human being!!!
I have spent many a week-end with Frannie and Dick in their gorgeous home and have many memories not only of those week-ends, but of many years of friendship, growing up, with Frannie.
Happy journey Dick, you will add much light to Heaven!!!
March 4, 2020
truly a great man who left a mark on this community one which we never see again
March 4, 2020
No words can express the sorrow I feel for Fran and her family on Dick's death. He was a wonderful man and we were blessed to be able to share in his life. My father and I both were able to work with him. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and love to you all. William and Jeanette Cannon.
March 3, 2020
MEMORY ETERNAL! Juanita Spencer, Denny and Meladie Spencer Ott, Larry II and Richard Jamra. Family of Richard Spencer
March 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Fran. Dick was a wonderful man and I remember him well when we were at St. Joan of Arc. Deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.
Hal and Mary Miller
Cathy Cappelletty
March 3, 2020
Fran and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was such a kind and wonderful man and so giving of himself and his talents. He will be very much missed by all of you and the community.
Fran, I remember your stopping in to see Ken when you were visiting Florence at Swan Creek. It was so kind and thoughtful of you and he enjoyed your visits. Since then, I have moved to Loveland, OH to be nearer to my son and his family, but I still shop using the Anderson tote bags!
You will all be in my prayers. I wish you peace and wonderful memories.
Cathy Cappelletty
Lillian Peluso
March 3, 2020
My sincere condolences to you and yours Fram. Many wonderful memories of a special man. May he rest in peace. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Edward Reiter
March 3, 2020
Fran and family: It is with great sadness that we read about the loss of Dick. He was a mentor to me my entire career and a wonderful friend to both Linda and I, since there were so many activities that we were involved in together. You Fran, and Dick, were an inspiration to everyone you met and words can not express the value you both have had in our lives and the community. Our memories will be forever. May God Bless you all and give you peace. Ed and Linda Reiter
March 3, 2020
To the Anderson family, may the prayers of those who love you carry you through this difficult time. Jim and Patricia Weaver
Sharon and Ed Ahlfors
March 2, 2020
My fondest memory of this wonderful, kind, gentle and loving man is his love of woodworking and I have to admit that when I had the opportunity to talk with him, I always asked what he was currently working on. Each project that he mentioned began with the description of the type of wood and the aging process it would go through before he would be able to use it. Lucky are those who were on the receiving end of his items.
In addition to his obvious love and devotion to Fran and their family, the world and especially Maumee and Toledo were blessed to be recipients of his abundant love, caring and compassion.
We were so blessed to have known this man.
May God continue to bless you.
Sharon and Ed Ahlfors
Kathy Zacharias
March 2, 2020
A wonderful gentle man who will be missed. It was our honor to know Dick. Rest In Peace in your well deserved place in God's loving arms. Zach and Kathy Zacharias
Michael Zerner
March 2, 2020
To The Anderson Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Anderson.
His kindness, love, philanthropy, compassion and caring for his family, for our community, and for the entire world is something we all strive to emulate.
There are not enough words to show our respect for Mr. Anderson and the entire Anderson Family.
His kindness to my family was incredible and greatly appreciated!
Thank you for everything Mr. Anderson.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Respectfully,
Michael Zerner
Joel and Shirley Levine
March 2, 2020
Fran and family: We just heard of Dick'S passing. Our sincere and deep condolences to you. What a privilege to have known and worked with Dick on many community endeavors throughout the years. He was a very special man who loved his family, his faith and his community. May he rest in peace and may your many fond memories of your shared lives help to ease the pain of his passing. With love, Joel and Shirley Levine
DAVID WISE
March 2, 2020
JUST A WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN, AND WE WERE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY IN THE TOLEDO AREA
Harold Booth
March 2, 2020
I was so Blessed to have worked for The Anderson family for 30 years retiring in 1998. Our sympathies to Fran and extended families. Dick was such a legend in the community and an inspiration to everyone that was Blessed to have known him.
Harold and Nancy Booth
Mary Louise Tiemann
March 2, 2020
We have known Dick and Frannie all of our lives. My late husband Bob went to Central with Dick. Frannie and I lived across Wayne street from each other and were constant companions all of our early school years. Lots of good memories. I'm with you Frannie during the next difficult days.
Jackie Oaks Lyell
March 2, 2020
Dear Frannie and the entire Anderson and Heilman Families ~
I was very sad to read of your loss of this wonderful man.
Both Maumee and Toledo communities with forever be thankful for all that the two of you did, as a team, for the betterment and enrichment you've given to all of us.
Frannie ~
As Lala's friend, I was visiting at your Heilman home, years ago, on a day Dick arrived to pick you up for an apparent date.
There was a bounce in your step when you went to the door (apparently wearing"his" letter sweater, as it was big enough to be a robe on you) and when you came in to his view, he was wearing that big ear to ear smile, meant just for you!
Over the years, I've seen you two together, several times, and that smile was still. We all know true love when we see it and I'm so glad to know, you two shared it for many years!
Please accept my condolences and know that you and yours will be in my thoughts and praysers.
Sincerely,
Jackie Oaks Lyell
Christine Dietsch
March 2, 2020
Back in the 80's I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Anderson in his office. It was an economic development issue. He was generous of his time, I always appreciated that. My Uncle, Father Frederick Hug, thought highly of Mr. Anderson, in fact, hunted with the family in Canada on many occasions; Fr. Hug suggested I meet with Mr. Anderson. Great call! Never forgot how genuine he was. Thank you Mr. Anderson for all you did for the greater community of N.W. Ohio. You are surely running God's farms now!
Donald Schrock
March 2, 2020
Condolances to the Anderson family, My Father hauled grain to the Andersons for 40 years and developed a relationship with the Anderson "boys". Dick was always approachable by customers and at one point gave my dad his phone #. On several occasions when my father was unloading late at night and things were not moving along, he gave Dick a call and explained what wasn't happening, within a few minutes Dick or Tom would show up and resolve employee problems. Later in life Dick called my father and ask if Tim could come and stay with my parents so Tim could learn all about timbering. Dick was always a down to earth guy, and will be sorely missed. Don Schrock
March 2, 2020
I was at the Heilman home with some classmates when Dick came to the door to pick Frannie up for a date.He was shy and cute as could be. Frannie appeared and his eyes lit up. It was obvious how they both felt and look what happens when something is just right. So sorry for your loss. Arlene Kazmaier Moosman
Sherry Williams
March 2, 2020
The Board and Staff of Prevent Blindness, Ohio Affiliate send our thoughts and prayers to the Anderson family on the loss of Mr. Anderson. Our organization was so proud and fortunate to have his service on our Honorary Board of Directors for the past two decades. His contributions to the bettering life in NWOH are unequaled!
Theresa and Jankowski
March 2, 2020
Dan and Lynn and family,
Our sympathies to you on the death of your great father and grandfather. I can see that he passed many of his wonderful qualities to your family.
Patricia Machoukas
March 2, 2020
So sorry for the loss of this great man. Prayers to his family. Rest in peace.
Karen Baker-Zepf
March 2, 2020
Fran...Our love is with you always, but especially at this time.
When I think of Dick, I remember how much he has done for so many... He has been a blessing for many generations.
Tom Schoen
March 2, 2020
I had the honor of working with Dick on several projects at his home. He was a wonderful teacher of so many aspects of the work, but mostly the importance of organization, work ethic and the satisfaction of service.
Our deepest sympathies to Fran and all of this incredible family who are the best reflection of Dick's spirit ! May the peace of Christ be with you.
- Tom and Lori Schoen
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