Robert O Anderson

Robert Otto Anderson, age 81, of Mankato, died on Sunday, January 3, 2010 surrounded by his wife and family following a long illness at his home in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato, with Fr. John Wilmot officiating. Burial will be in Minneopa Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. with a 4 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday (TODAY) at Mankato Mortuary, and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Robert was born on June 1, 1928 in North Mankato. He was the son of Ole and Anna (Vioski) Anderson. Robert attended school in Mankato. He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952 in Japan and Korea. Robert was united in marriage to Betty Abelman on August 21, 1954. He was employed with Mankato Citizens Telephone Company for 37 years prior to his retirement in 1990. Robert was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and the American Legion Post 11. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and Twins baseball.

Robert is survived by his wife, Betty of Mankato; eight children, Chris Anderson (Fran Delbarre), Randy (Nancy) Anderson, Sue Anderson (Tim Murphy), Jim (Julie) Anderson, Rita (Jim) Janda, Caroline (Terry) Meyer, Matthew Anderson, and Marion Anderson (Chris Wireman); six grandchildren, Kim Anderson, Jason Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Nicole Murphy, Joe Janda, Toni Anderson; two great-grandsons; one sister, Mary LaBarbara; one sister-in-law, Lorraine (William) Anderson; also nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leon, Edward, Francis, Lloyd, and William.