Robert L. "Bob" Andersen

Robert L. “Bob” Andersen, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Orlando, Florida, with family at his side. Family, friends and others whose lives Bob touched are invited to Peters Funeral Home in St. Paul, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018, to reminisce, support each other and celebrate his life. Inurnment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul, with graveside military honors by Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of St. Paul. Bob was born on Aug. 16, 1931, in St. Paul, the son of William “Bill” and Opal (Fenton) Andersen. He was the oldest of three siblings. 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; to his last day he was very proud of his service in the Navy. He left the Navy in May of 1954 with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. 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 have 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, where Dad with his 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. A very hard-working man; 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, committed to community service and helping others. He loved life, enjoying the most simple pleasures; spending time with family, love for the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing, 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 home it was 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 neighbor lives on in those closest to him, those he is survived by, his wife Judy Andersen; his children, Bobby, Deanna, Billy and John; his 9 loving grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Dora Mae Johnson of St. Paul and Thelma Hughes of Hastings. In lieu of flowers, the family asks 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 can donate online at www.nmcrs.org, or mailing a check payable to “Navy Relief Society” at Navy Relief Society, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, P.O. Box 48, Jacksonville, FL 32212-0048. Please put in Honor of Robert L. Andersen, Petty Officer 2nd Class, Korean War in memo.