Robert E. Anderson, 94, of Prophetstown, IL, died Thursday, December 5, 2013, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL.
Robert, born in rural Prophetstown, on December 9, 1918, was the son of Elmer and Hilda (Johnson) Anderson. He was a graduate of Prophetstown High School, Class of 1936. He was a member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, Whiteside County Farm Bureau, Prophetstown American Legion Post #522, Prophetstown Masonic Lodge #293 AF & AM, Past Patron of Minerva Star #6, and the Prophetstown Country Club. Bob was on the Whiteside County State Champion tug war team of 1938. He joined the U. S. Army in February of 1941 and was a horseshoer in the 11th Cavalry for 15 months. He helped form the 10th Armored Division and later was a member of the 712 Tank Battalion. Bob was sent overseas to the European Theater in February of 1944. He was discharged from service in May 1945, and was awarded the Bronze Star with two oak leaf cluster. He married Shirley Ziegenbein of Ashland, NE, on December 17, 1942, in Omaha, NE. Upon returning home from the service, Bob farmed in Prophetstown for 30 years, was a DeKalb Seed Corn dealer, and worked at the Prairie Feed Mill for eight years before retiring. For many years, Bob was a bus driver for Crest View School. He enjoyed driving the bus for the Prophetstown High School boy’s football and basketball teams and was their scorekeeper for many years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and following his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all of their sports.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; daughter, Mary (LaVerne) Bennett of Prophetstown; two sons, William (Pat) Anderson of Morrison, IL, and David (Gina) Anderson of Prophetstown; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Edith (John) Massey of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers, James “Jim” Anderson and Clarence “Bud” Anderson.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, IL
OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Cheri Stewart, Pastor, Prophetstown United Methodist Church
VISITATION: 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, IL
INTERMENT: Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown, IL, with Military Funeral Honors
The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home, 320 Lafayette Street, Prophetstown, IL, is in charge of arrangements.
MEMORIALS: Established