Obituary
Robert “Bob” L. Andersen, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Orlando, Florida with family at his side. Bob was born August 16, 1931 in St. Paul, Nebraska to William “Bill” and Opal (Fenton) Andersen. He was the oldest of 3 siblings survived by 2 sisters, Dora Mae Johnson, of St. Paul, Nebraska and Thelma Hughes, of Hasting, Nebraska. He was a 1949 graduate of St. Paul High School. After graduation he joined the United States Navy and served his country for 4 years, including service in the Korean War. He left the Navy in May of 1954 with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. To the end of his life he was very proud of his service in the Navy.
He wasted no time (typical of Dad) and just 2 days after his discharge he married Judith “Judy” J. Swart on May 19,1954, and they hade been together ever since, over 63 years of an unyielding love.
After a short stint in California and Nebraska they eventually settled in the Chicago area. Dad, with the welding skills acquired in the Navy, took on the career of a Union Pipefitter working in the steel mills of east Chicago and northern Indiana until retirement at the age of 62. Bob was a very hard-working man.
He was dedicated to his work, but more dedicated to providing for his family and helping neighbors. Besides his day job he was a volunteer fireman for the City of Markham Fire Department. He was committed to his community service and helping others. He loved life, enjoying the simplest pleasures; spending time with family, love for the outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, and a passionate follower of the Cornhuskers and NASCAR. He always had a home project in the works and if it wasn’t for his own it would be for a neighbor. A compassionate man to all, including those who were less fortunate, simply a “Good Neighbor”. Bob Andersen’s spirit and legacy of hard work, goodness, compassion, and unending love for family and neighbors lives on in those closest to him.
He is survived by, his wife Judy Andersen; his children, Bobby, Deanna, Billy, and John; and his 9 loving grand children and 10 great grandchildren.
Family, friends, and those whose lives’ Bob touched are invited to Peters Funeral Home a 302 2nd St, St Paul, NE 68873, (308) 754-5543, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018 to reminisce, support each other and to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you honor Robert “Bob” Andersen for his proud service in the United States Navy and love for Country by donating to the Navy Relief Society, which provides care and services for sailors and Marines in financial need. You may mail your donations to Navy Relief Society, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, P.O. Box 48, Jacksonville, FL 32212-0048 or donate online at www.nmcrs.org . Please put “In honor of Robert L. Andersen, Petty Officer 2nd Class, Korean War” in the memo.
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