Obituary of Robert James Anderson
Robert (Bob) James Anderson Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on February 20, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born on August 12, 1936, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Earl and Loretta Anderson, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962. During his time in the service, he married the love of his life, Joyce Elaine Abrath.
Bob and Joyce planned to retire in the mountains, where Bob built a home on their property in California. However, after the Camp Fire in 2018 destroyed their home, they relocated to Gridley, California, where they made new memories together.
A hardworking man with a strong work ethic, Bob spent most of his life in construction and concrete work. Growing up on a farm, he learned early on how to work with his hands and took pride in his ability to build and create. He had a special gift of turning nothing into something and he was always thinking of his next project, whether for himself or for someone else, often enlisting his daughter Kellie to help (even if she didn’t know it yet). He found joy in problem-solving and tackling new challenges.
Beyond his work, Bob loved the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, farming, milling wood, hunting, and fishing. One of his most cherished experiences was a hunting trip to Wyoming last year with his sons, Bob and Kevin. Most winters, he and Joyce spent time soaking up the sun and enjoying time with their daughter Colleen and son-in-law Oscar in Hawaii.
Bob had an incredible sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to share a good story. His quick wit, warm presence, and knack for conversation made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Anderson; his sister, Leona Anderson/Rinn, and her husband, Bill Rinn; and his children: Robert Anderson Jr. and his wife, Patti; Kevin Anderson and his wife, Cathy; Kellie Anderson/Wynhoff and her partner, Jimmy Haynes, along with son-in-law John Wynhoff; and Colleen Anderson/ Reyes and her husband, Oscar.
Bob was a proud grandfather to Maggie Anderson/Stastny, Robert Anderson III, Jessica Wynhoff/May and her husband, Jon; Bruck Wynhoff/Lascio and her husband, Carmen; Ethan Anderson; and Kay Anderson. He was also a beloved great-grandfather to Juliet Lascio, Josephine May, and Kinsley Lascio.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, as well as his faithful family dog, Baby Boy Louie.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Loretta Anderson; his sister, Maryanne Anderson/Lupa; and his brother, Lester Anderson.
His kindness, wisdom, and humor will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A funeral service will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with a burial and reception to follow.