Robert Allen Anderson

Robert Allen Anderson, age 75, of Farmington. passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 19, unexpectedly at his residence.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation begins at 11am, with a celebration of life service to follow at 1pm.  Gifts of flowers or cards may be sent directly to Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Alternatively, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rob’s name to support the Minnesota State Parks that he loved: https://parksandtrails.org   Local arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

He is survived by his wife Linda, and children James (Sara) Anderson, Robert (Susan) Anderson, Emily (Cory) Molenaar, and Amelia (Brad) Wile; grandchildren Hailey and Jack Anderson; Grace, Emma and Joshua Anderson; Drew, Brady and Jackson Molenaar; and Charlie, Max and Lydia Wile; brother Larry (Nona) Anderson and sister Millie (Irvin) Paulson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, and two brothers.

Rob spent his life devoted to his family. He loved taking his kids on “adventure days”; in later years he would do the same with his beloved grandchildren. His favorite place was Up North with Linda and his family, creating new memories with each hike, atv trail, and time around the fire. 

Rob loved playing all sports and excelled in basketball in high school and college. At Renville High School he won the Herb Hengstler award in 1967 and scored 1,093 career points before there was a three-point line. He was a three-year starter on the Gustavus Adolphus basketball team and was the team captain his senior year. 

Education was a thread that ran through Rob’s life. He loved education; after graduating from Renville High School he received his undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College. He then attended Mankato State University and obtained Master’s Degrees in Counseling and School Administration. Rob spent 29 years in the Renville school system, first as a biology teacher and basketball coach. He then became the school guidance counselor, and ultimately the High School Principal. He was the Principal at Willmar High School for 13 years. 

Rob and Linda enjoyed traveling the world together. From Russia to Iceland to six trips to Italy and everywhere in between, they loved exploring new places, meeting new people, and tasting the local cuisine. Rob loved reading guidebooks about the next country he wanted to visit. After every adventure, Rob and Linda always returned to their beloved home on Lake Superior.