Robert E. Anderson

Robert E. ""Bob"" Anderson, age 77, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg, as a result of a brain tumor.    He was born on August 25, 1932 in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, the son of Ernest and Myrtle Anderson.  He was a graduate of Frederic High School, and received a degree in Elementary Education from River Falls State College in 1954, and later received his Masters Degree from UW-Madison.  He spent his entire professional life teaching in Madison middle schools, including Cherokee, Sennett, and Jefferson.  He retired in 1992 after 38 years, and many of his students remember him to this day.  He married Jane Cummings on June 22, 1957 in Chicago.  He was devoted to her, and this was especially evident during her struggle with Alzheimers.  Bob cared for her at home for several years, and continued to spend as much time with her as possible after her move to the Sunny Hill nursing home.   Bob was an avid photographer and camera collector.  He was very interested in geneology, and researched and wrote several volumes of Anderson and Cummings family history.  He was proud of the antiques he had refinished in the family home, and of playing on the Minutemen softball team until age 55, but mostly he was proud of his children, grandchildren, and the accomplishments of other family members, past and present. He had been a member of the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ since 1962 and drew much of his strength from his faith and the relationships he made through the church.   Bob is survived by his wife Jane, of Madison; children Elizabeth Schultz (Dave) of McFarland, and Matthew Anderson (Debbie) of Cedarburg; grandchildren Rebecca and Justin Schultz of McFarland, and Marine Corporal Andrew Anderson of Camp Pendleton, CA; brother David Anderson (Sharon) of Eden Prairie, MN; brother-in-law Grant Cummings (Jeanette) of Rhinelander; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles.   A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at the ORCHARD RIDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1501 Gilbert Road,  Madison.  Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. or the Alzheimers Association.  The family would like to thank the staff at HospiceCare for the wonderful care that Bob received, and also thank the church membership for their support during Bob's illness.