Robert D. (Bob) Anderson

Friday, October 7, 2016 2:37 pm

Robert D. (Bob) Anderson, 82, of Decorah, IA, passed away Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at Wellington Place in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Decorah Lutheran Church, Decorah, with Rev. Dave Sorenson and Rev. Charis Combs-Lay officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray. Hymns were “Beautiful Savior” and “Rock of Ages.” Recesssional was “Day By Day,” a recording by Godspell. Casket bearers were Decorah area veterans. Military rites were provided by Decorah Area Veterans. Interment was at Springfield Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah.

Robert Dale Anderson was born on, the son of Juel and Hazel (Goetsch) Anderson, in Decorah. Bob was baptized and confirmed at the Decorah Lutheran Church. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1952, and served as an airman in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown from 1952-1956. Bob was united in marriage to Lona Mae Lien of Calmar March 1, 1958, at the Springfield Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. He worked for Goetsch Home Interiors before starting his own floor covering business in 1964. He later worked as a custodian at Decorah Lutheran Church, and then became a popular Greeter at Walmart in Decorah for which he will be remembered by many. Bob was a long-time member of Decorah Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher. Bob was a hard worker who always kept busy, and he loved being around people. He will be remembered for his smile and great sense of humor.

Bob Anderson is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lona Mae Anderson of Decorah; two sons, Dr. Stephen Anderson of Houston, Texas and James Anderson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; one brother, Gordon Anderson; a sister, Beverly (Merlin) Tangen; two sisters-in-law, Joan (Milfred) Nelson and Pat Lien, all of Decorah; along with several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Juel and Hazel Anderson; his father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Gladys Lien; and one brother-in-law, David Lien.