In loving memory of

Robert "Bob" Anderson
February 15, 1947 - May 13, 2020

Robert Dean "Bob" Anderson, 73, of Winona, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Winona Health services from Pneumonia. He was born February 15, 1947 to Carmen and Curtis Anderson. Bob grew up around Mabel, Minnesota with his three brothers. He graduated from Winona State University in 1970. He married Mary Alice Anderson in Houston, Minnesota on August 2, 1969. The two settled in to their new life together In Caledonia as Bob started teaching at Peterson High School and later taught and worked for Winona Area Public Schools. They later moved to Houston before moving to Winona in 1988. Bob had numerous and varied life long interests, always learning and trying something new and excelling at many. Among those were becoming a Master Gardener, Biking, cross country skiing, studying the weather, woodworking and traveling in the tri-state area. He is especially remembered for his award winning Rosemaling, excellent bread baking skills, great food he cooked on his Big Green Egg and his sense of humor and curiosity
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice Anderson; brothers, David (Bonnie) Anderson of Mabel, Donald (Audrey) Anderson of Mabel; nieces and nephews, Sarah (Paul) Tollefsrud of Mabel, Carrie Anderson of Lakeville, Joel Anderson of Eagan, Lindsay (Jake) Vitse of Chatfield; six great-nephews and his Siamese cats, Ollie and Stanley.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Steven Anderson; infant sister, Carol; six Siamese cats, including the extra special Ole, Lena and Cody.
The family is having a private burial and will have a celebration of Bob's life at a later date. Memorials preferred to Winona State University Foundation - Biology Department. Cards may be mailed to Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Attn: Family of Robert Anderson, 3480 Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987.

Tributes

Lyle and Karen Thompson wrote on May 21, 2020:

"Sorry to hear of the passing of Bob, I enjoyed working with Bob when he was an educator at Peterson. May you always remember all the good things you and Bob enjoyed doing together. Prayers to you Mary Alice! Lyle & Karen Thompson"

Carolyn Bruels wrote on May 19, 2020:

"So sorry to hear about Bob?s passing. I enjoyed seeing him around WMS. always remember the good times you had together. With kindness, Carolyn Bruels "

JoDeen & Bob Forsyth wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Mary Alice, Our sympathies to you at this sad time of loss. God be with you. JoDeen & Bob Forsyth"

Judith Davis wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Dear Mary Alice, My thoughts are with you as you have lost your soul mate. I always remember Bob as he toured me around your home showing me all the projects he was working on and making sure that I was able to sample some of his traditional baked goods. He will truly be missed.. Judy and Bill.Davis "

Chuck & Sharon Ehler wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Mary and Family Members, Our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family members. We were saddened to learn of Bob?s passing. We commend him on his years of service as an educator. He had an ongoing passion for learning. The saying goes that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that will watch over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you now have an angel who will lovingly watch over you. Please trust that Bob is in the warm embrace of the ?Good Lord? and is at peace. He will enjoy the joys and comforts of heaven. May the Good Lord bless and comfort you and your families during this time of grief. We have you and your family members in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck, Sharon & Paul Ehler Rushford "

Marge Hargrove wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Bob was a very inquisitive guy.Always learning and sharing such interesting stories.I knew he would know stuff.Ardie says he will always remember flying his rubber band airplanes.Lived visiting the two of them and their kitties."

Violet Belter wrote on May 18, 2020:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary Alice. I\'m sorry for your loss."

LuAnn Brenno wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I knew the Andersons well growing up as a member of the Garness church and the Mabel community, and my parents (Myrle and Orlie Brenno) were good friends with Carmen and Curtis. My sympathy to David and Donnie and their families as well as the family of Robert. "

Craig Darrington wrote on May 17, 2020:

"I was boyhood friends with Bob---I moved away but always have had fond memories of our time together---fine man! RIP---prayers for comfort..."

Bryan & Diane Forsyth wrote on May 17, 2020:

"Thinking of you Mary Alice at this difficult time for you. We always enjoyed Bob\'s stories about something. Our prayers are with you. "

Cindy Whetstone wrote on May 15, 2020:

"Mary Alice...deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Will certainly keep you in my prayers during this difficult time! Take care!"