Robert M. Anderson

Robert M. Anderson (Bob) of Des Moines died peacefully June 29, 2018, surrounded by family at the Veteran’s Hospital Hospice in Des Moines. Bob was born July 5, 1926 in Phoenix, AZ, to Florence and Milton Anderson. He was married for 22 years to Polly McCoy Anderson with whom he raised five children. He later was married to Sara Brown Anderson for 19 years until her death.

Visitation will be held on Bob’s 92nd birthday, July 5, at 5 p.m. followed by services at 6 p.m. officiated by Father Michael Amadeo at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Bob was raised in his mom’s hometown of Avoca, Iowa. He graduated from Creighton University in philosophy, history, and education. He also studied at Conception Seminary in Missouri.

Bob believed in loyalty and service. He worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., was a member of the Army National Guard, and proudly served as Master Sergeant in the Korean War. Bob was an active Republican until 2002 when he became an ardent Democrat. He was proud of his decades of work with Corn States Hybrid Service and later New York Life Insurance.

Bob loved his friends and took great joy in meeting, getting to know, and helping others. He founded and worked for 15 years at a food and lunch program serving homeless Vets in Florida. In his volunteer work, he also was a greeter at two VA Hospitals, taught English and math to fourth graders, mentored a refugee family from Iraq, and coached his grandsons’ soccer teams. Bob was a member of Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed being in several choirs and singing Frank Sinatra karaoke. He learned to play the organ after retirement, was a master griller, and read voraciously. One of his greatest joys was going on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a few years ago.

Left with his love are his children, Marti Anderson (Bob Brammer), Jeani McMurtrie, Robert J. Anderson, and John Anderson (Emmie); beloved grandchildren Alex, Andy, Lindsey, Samantha, Ryan, Jessica, JJ, Eric, Alissa, Gabe, and Shellie; great-grandchildren Kailin, Kenneth, Sullivan, Isabelle, Teigen, Landon, Brooklyn, Freya, Violeta, Nicanor, and Roman; and great-great-grandchildren Rylee and Cameron. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wives, daughter Patty Christensen, and brother, Jack.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland at PO Box 4557, Des Moines, Iowa 50305.

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