Robert Anderson Obituary

Robert G. Anderson Jr. passed away suddenly on December 29, 2023. He was 70 years old.
Beloved husband of Joan for 30 years; Adored father of Daniel (Danielle), Christopher (Ashley), Kaylyn (Brett) Rappenecker, and Patrick (Victoria); Cherished brother of Mary Jane Schaaf, Susan Kent, Margaret (Bruce) Walderson, and the late Thomas Anderson; Loving son of the late Robert and June Anderson; Fond uncle to Megan Kamstra, Kevin Walderson, Matthew Walderson, Stephen Walderson, Kelly Hansen, Jacob Kepple, and Matthew Kepple; Treasured grandfather to Taylor Anderson, Thomas Anderson and Jace Anderson. Friend to all who knew him.
Robert, fondly known as Bob or Bobby, was born in Chicago on February 4th, 1953. From a young age, Bob always had a caring heart and a funny prankster sense of humor. He and his siblings found fun ways to stay entertained while living in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. As a youngster, Bob made ice rinks in winters in his back yard for him and his siblings, took care of stray dogs, and loved listening to music while socializing with friends. Bob did have a little mischievous side and pushed the envelope to keep his mother on her toes. Bob was very intelligent and creative. His wicked sense of humor had everyone smiling and laughing. When Bob was young, he loved fixing up cars and playing guitar with friends. Bob was a well-respected friend and was always willing to help and offer the shirt off his back if someone needed it. Bob was very faith filled and attended Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary (North campus) for high school. Bob completed some college and worked for Ambassador Office Equipment in Maywood for two years, which was later bought out by Canon. Bob continued working at Canon in Schaumburg as a Service Manager for another 26 years. He was highly respected at his job. Bob was previously married and had 4 children. He later remarried his loving wife Joan, in 1994. He loved Joan and his family dearly. He loved quality time with his wife and kids especially on family vacations to Hilton Head Island and Sedona Arizona. In 1997, he and his wife Joan traveled across the world to Bosnia to go on a Catholic pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Bob oftentimes would share and reminisce about the vacations and pilgrimage with his family and friends. You would often see Bob wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sandals as it was what he was most comfortable in and would like to pretend he was back on vacation. Some of his favorite pastimes with his kids were watching action movies, listening to classic rock music, and listening to anything that would make them all laugh. Bob had a few hobbies later in life such as gardening, grilling, collecting coins and woodworking. He was very talented and made several birdhouses, jewelry boxes and a workbench for his nephew. Bob also enjoyed watching old westerns and Star Trek. Bob had fantastic insight, excellent gut instincts, and was always able to intervene calmly if there was a problem. Bob wanted to make sure his family was protected and safe all the time. Bob leaves a beautiful legacy in his children as his son Dan loves fixing cars, his son Chris loves playing guitar, his daughter Kaylyn loves helping people, and his youngest son Patrick has his intelligence and strong faith. Bob will truly be missed, and his memory will live on forever with all those who loved him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, from 4-8 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Funeral Mass Friday, January 5, 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Community Parish. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or the Burn Center Fund at Loyola University Medical Center. For info, 847-359-8020.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.