Robert Alfred Anderson passed away on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, 2016, at home surrounded by his family in Mesa, Ariz. He was born on Aug. 2, 1925, in Parkers Prairie, Minn., to Alfred and Mildred (Hadley) Anderson. Bob grew up in Parkers Prairie and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School. He enlisted in the Navy July 21, 1943 and was honorably discharged July 31, 1946 after serving in the Pacific Theater. After the service, Bob worked for Gamble Robinson. On a trip to Carrington, N.D., he stopped by the telephone office and met a beautiful young woman named Colleen Larson. They were married in Parkers Prairie on Aug. 18, 1949, and celebrated 67 years together. Bob joined Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society in 1956, incorporating his love of working with people and traveling while serving rural communities. Bob was administrator of Logan County Hospital in Sterling from 1961-71. He saw a need for licensed practical nurses so worked with the community to start the LPN program at Northeastern Junior College. He considered the program one of his proudest achievements. As a member of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as President during the planning, fundraising, and building of the church at its current location. He moved to the home office in Fargo, N.D., as a Regional Vice President in 1971 and served as President of LH&HS from 1979-84. In retirement, Bob and Colleen enjoyed winters in Mesa, Ariz., as well as traveling and visiting their children. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ted and Jack; his twin sister, Roberta Barrows; and sister, Peggy Knutson. Bob is survived by his wife, Colleen, of Mesa, Ariz. and Detroit Lakes, Minn.; his son Spencer (Eileen) Anderson of Glendale, Ariz.; daughters, Sandy (Bill) Hartigan of Highlands Ranch, Michelle (Keith) Arguello of Castle Rock, and Lisa (Charles) Buck of Dallas, Texas and Detroit Lakes, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, LouAnn Anderson and Rene é Larson; brother-in-law, Lyndon (Julie) Larson and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to , 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th Street South Suite 101, Fargo, ND 58103; or the .
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