Robert Alvin Anderson

CRYSTAL FALLS — Robert Alvin Anderson, 53, of Iron River, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 24, 2017 near Marquette, during one of his many adventures. Bob was like a nine-life cat who was blessed to have 15 lives. God knew He would need to whip up something big to take Bob out. The Lake Superior storm that day was certainly capable, having the strength of the storm that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Bob was born on Dec. 7, 1963, in Crystal Falls to James and Beverly Anderson. He attended and graduated from Forest Park High School.

He joined the Army and served as a medic for four years, after which he attended Bay de Noc Community College and received his associate degree in nursing.

Bob worked for Dickinson County Memorial Hospital for many years, first on the medical-surgical floor and more recently in the emergency department. He had previously worked as a nurse at Iron County Community Hospital as an EMT, and as a fabricator for the family business RJ Metal Specialty.

He was awarded a Distinguished Citizen Award from the Michigan State Police in 1993.

Bob was a man of God and firm in his belief. He had a way of comforting others during stressful situations, through both his confidence and great sense of humor. Bob was always someone you could count on for a laugh.

He was willing to do anything for his friends and family when needed, whether that meant driving several hours to help fix a vehicle or just giving a comforting hug.

Bob touched many lives throughout his 53 years.

Bob had many hobbies – fishing, hunting, mechanics, photography, and watching cartoons, to name a few. His favorite salmon fishing spoons were TNT and Carbon-14. He loved to photograph waterfalls.

He is survived by daughter, Jill (Ben) Mattson and grandsons, Nathan and Tyler, of Weston, Wis.; parents, James and Beverly Anderson of Crystal Falls; siblings, Carla (Keith) Swanson of Niagara, Wis., Fred (Becky) Anderson of Ishpeming, Ken (Lynn) Anderson of Vancouver, Wash., Patrick Anderson of Crystal Falls, and Tom (Theresa) Anderson of Lebanon, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is also survived by his best friends, Bill Rajala and Gregg Johnson.

Robert was preceded in death by a brother, James Anderson Jr.

Bob’s memorial service will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m., and a luncheon to follow. Rev. Micheal Laakko will officiate.

Condolences to the family of Robert Anderson may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.