Obituary

Robert “Bob” Gene Anderson, 93, of Rockford, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 18, 2023. He was born on September 22, 1929, in Rockford, IL the son of C. Harry and Emma Elizabeth (Larsen) Anderson. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1947. He lettered every year in football, basketball and track. Bob graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1951 with a BS Degree in Education. He attended Wyoming on a track scholarship and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Bob married Marillyn E. Johnson on March 24, 1951 at Salem Lutheran Church in Rockford. They were married for 72 years. He served in the Army for 2 years with 18 months in Korea during the Korean War.

Bob was Vice President of Anderson Sand and Gravel a family-owned business later sold to Rockford Black Top. He worked for the City of Rockford serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Public Works for 10 years. Formerly employed at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce where he was the Chairman of Membership. Former member of Forest Hills Country Club where he also served on the Board. He served on the Winnebago County Board for 8 years.

Bob was a member of The Gideons International, The Korean War Veterans Association as well as Crime Stoppers. He was a member of First Free Church and the Bereans Adult Class. Bob also served as the Executive Director of the Civic League of Rockford.

Bob was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all.

Survived by his wife, Marillyn; children, Bob (Laura) Anderson of Carlsbad, CA, Peter (Kim) Anderson of Hartford, WI, and Julie (Chuck) Croft of Menomonee Falls, WI; grandchildren, Rob (Lauryn) Anderson of Carlsbad, CA, Chelsea (Jeff) Kim of Dacula, GA, Trevor (Natalie) Anderson of Waukesha, WI, Brittany Anderson of San Rafael, CA, Natalie (Matt) Erdman of Wauwatosa, WI, Taylor (Meghan) Anderson of Madison, WI, Courtney (Christopher) Becker of Hartford, WI, Allison (Ryan) Fawcett of Knoxville, TN, and Kelsey Croft of Raleigh, NC; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by parents; and brother, Harry J. Anderson.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 at First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford, IL 61108 or Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102. To share a memory or condolence, please visit olsonfh.com.