Robert Otto Anderson

Anderson, Robert Otto June 16, 1925 - May 28, 2019 Bob, age 93, of Plymouth, MN passed away peacefully at home with family present May 28, 2019 after a brief illness, a long life and a very long career. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fae and Otto, three younger brothers, Gene, Russ, and Ed, his first wife Fern, who was the mother of his three children, as well as beloved pets a Basset Hound, Bingo, and his cats, Guy and Sparky. Bob is survived by his wife Marie, three children from his first marriage, Gregg (Shari), Ron (Lu), Debby (Max), six grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Marie has one daughter, Paula, one grandson, and two great grandchildren. His greatest joy in life by far was his family. Fifteen years after the death of Fern, Bob and Marie married when they were 75. They enjoyed traveling and took several memor-able long cruises. Bob kept up with the latest computer and smart phone technology. He recently confessed to being an "App Junky" when a grandson saw Bob had 15 pages of apps on his iPhone. Bob progressed from growing up without running water to an early adopter of the latest technology. Bob was born in Raub, North Dakota. His parents farmed until Bob was a junior in high school. He took his freshman and sophomore years by correspondence as the local school only went up to eighth grade. The library was one set of encyclopedias and he read every volume. He finished high school in Minot, North Dakota as salutatorian of his class. Bob's first residence with indoor plumbing was in the Navy. After Bob started working he paid for indoor plumbing to be installed in his parents' home. After earning an engineering degree as part of the Navy V12 program during WWII, Bob had one job for 73 years, from the time he graduated from the U of M in 1946 to his retirement - six days before his death from heart failure. He was the first employee of the Alton M Johnson Co, later renamed American Midwest Power. For decades Bob focused on design and sales of broadcast power equipment for stadiums including the new Vikings and Twins stadiums and too many more to list. Bob loved his work and AMP. Bob never planned to retire and his mind remained extra sharp to the end of his life. When his eyes and heart failed to keep pace with his brain he reluctantly took "early" retirement. Bob had Gopher football season tickets for over 60 years. His children and grandchildren enjoyed Saturday Gopher games, often in very cold Minnesota football weather. Bob enjoyed watching golf and football on TV. He especially enjoyed family visits that included his young grandchildren. They never left his house without one of the many Hot Wheels cars he always had on hand for their visits. Bob will be affectionately remembered and missed. He was a strong role model for family and set a high bar with his consideration of others over himself. He was very responsive to family, friends, and customer needs. Special thanks to all the staff at The Waters Assisted Living in Plymouth, Grace Hospice and especially to Judy Schlichting who has cared for both Bob and Marie for years. Memorial Service: 11 AM Friday, July 26 at Mt Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Mpls, MN 55419. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care at the University of Minnesota. Wallin Medical Biosciences Building, 2101 6th Street SE, Rm 5-144, Mpls, MN 55455-3008. His wife, Marie, has Alzheimer's disease.

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Robert Otto Anderson

June 16, 1925 - May 28, 2019

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