Robert Anderson Obituary Robert "Bob" Anderson, 74, of Fort Ripley, passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022, in his happy place with his wife by his side in Coolidge, AZ. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Fort Ripley, MN. A gathering of family and friends will take place 5-7 p.m., Friday February 18, 2022, at Nelson Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd and also one hour prior to Mass on Saturday morning at the Church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at the St. Mathias Parish Cemetery. Bob was born December 3, 1947, in Brainerd, the son of Richard and Evelyn (Tracy) Anderson. Bob enjoyed many adventures with his brother, Rick, as they grew up in Brainerd. He enlisted in the National Guard before he even graduated from Washington High School in 1966. He was proud to serve for 6 years. Bob had a good work ethic and was a clever problem solver both attributes served him well during his working years. He was a parts man for the family business, Anderson International; worked for several years at Thompson Concrete; and drove truck both for others as well as later owning and operating his own trucking company: B&C Trucking. During his retirement years, he traveled West and enjoyed the warm air in Arizona. He liked to golf and was an avid reader. Above all, Bob loved his family. He had many breakfasts at The Diner on Washington Street before he finally cornered his favorite waitress at a dance hall. He married Carol Smieja in 1969 and they were blessed with three children. He was a dad that ensured his children had good values and life skills. Bob was very engaged with his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with his family. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol; son, Tom (Jill) Anderson, their children, Emily (Ryan) Griffith, Katie, Jessica, Jack, and Elsie, and their granddaughter, Juliette Griffith; daughter, Terri (Mike) Kowalski, their children, Stephanie and Rebecca; son, Marty (Jennifer) Anderson, their children, Elizabeth, Hope, Zoe, and Caleb; siblings, Rick (Karen) Anderson and Lynda (Dave) Laechel; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Susan and Steve.