Robert Anderson

Madison - Robert Lincoln Anderson, 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at his home at Oakwood Prairie Ridge, Madison. He was born on February 26, 1928, the son of Albert and Laura (Eidal) Anderson in Kingsford, Michigan. Following high school, Robert attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton and earned a civil engineering degree. After graduation, he worked for the City of Milwaukee until he was drafted during the Korean War. Robert proudly served in the United States Army as a technical sergeant, conducting photo mapping engineering at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. On February 23, 1952, Robert was married to Anne Louise Ivacko in Washington DC. Together they raised Pam, Russ, and Mark. Anne preceded Robert in death on August 30, 2004.

Robert worked for the Wisconsin State Highway Commission from 1952 to 1954 and for the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics from 1954 to 1962. He was then elected Fond du Lac County surveyor and served from 1963 to 1968. Robert and his family moved back to Madison in 1968 where he worked for the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics until his retirement in 1989.

Robert was a licensed pilot and enjoyed general aviation. He loved working with his hands and was a self-taught master woodworker. He was known for being handy and able to fix nearly anything. He had a lifelong interest in electronics and was an early adopter of computers and other new technologies. In his younger years, Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed his second home - a lakeside cabin in Florence County - where many of his expertly completed, do-it-yourself projects are on display.

On April 23, 2005, Robert married Shelby Raschein in Madison. He is survived by his wife, Shelby Anderson of Madison; three children, Pam (Ted) Schaar of Brookfield, Russ (Denise) Anderson of Oregon, and Mark Anderson of Madison; four grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Schaar, Ann Schaar, James Anderson, and Mary Anderson; a great grandson, Noah; and a sister, Lorraine Kososki of Niagara; and other loving family members and dear friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Anne; sister and brother-in-law, Camilla and Bill Konwinski; brother-in-law, Johnny Kososki; and a brother, Magnus Holsen Ovreas of Holsen, Norway.

A memorial gathering will be held at OAKWOOD PRAIRIE ROSE INN, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge for all the love and care given to Robert and his family.