Robert Anderson

Robert G. Anderson Jr., 85, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017 at LaSalle County Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, January 19, 2017 at St. Patrick's Church with Father Tony Fevlo officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military honors.

Robert was born November 26, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Ann (Scalarini) Anderson. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Ford Ord, California.

He married Joan Rogalla August 13, 1960 at St. Valentines Church, Peru. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, American Legion in Spring Valley, and the Ottawa Moose Lodge. He retired in 1989 from Ottawa Township High School where he taught English and History, and coached Cross-Country and track. He also officiated high school football and basketball for many years. In February 2017 his 1967-68 Cross-Country team is being inducted into the Hall of Fame at Ottawa High School. Since Robert's retirement in 1989 he and his wife, Joan, owned and operated their business Wood N Wheat. He built replicas of miniature farm buildings and covered bridges. He and his wife enjoyed polka dancing and also cross country skied together.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; three children; David Anderson, Debra (Bret) Nystrom, and Gary (Tamara) Anderson; and six grandchildren, Nicole Nystrom, Olivia Nystrom, Isaac Anderson, Tatiana Anderson, Beatriz Anderson, and Caleb Anderson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ann Anderson.

Pallbearers will be Robert Piercy, Michael Buiting, Wilbur Zeal, Jerry Couch, Kirk Hawthorne, Steve Ortega, Rich Gaul, Dave Volpe, Blake Hepner, Tino Rubio, Marv Graunke, and Bill Salomone.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Church.