Robert Anderson Obituary

Robert P. “Bob” Anderson, 86, of Galesburg, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Courtyard Estates in Monmouth, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born on June 25, 1939, in Galesburg, the son of Gordon and Frances (Park) Anderson. He married Sandra S. Peterson on October 20, 1967, in Galesburg.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandy, his two daughters, Shelly (Ray) Golden of Monmouth and Tami (Dennis C.) Prather of Victoria; his grandchildren, Brandon (Courtney) Anderson, Alyssa Golden (Ryan) Grant, Alexia Golden, Dennis R. (Miranda) Prather, Karissa (Andrew) Vozovoi, and Kelsey Stone, and his great-grandchildren, Alex, Ethan, Jaycen, Ben, Josephine, and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister, Jean (and Dale) Grupe of Galesburg, and Kraig Boynton, a special family friend. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob graduated from Galesburg High School in 1957. He loved sports and earned letters in football and baseball. He also participated in track and basketball. He was inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1956-1957 football team. He also played American Legion baseball.

After high school graduation, Bob went to California to play baseball at the junior college level. He came back to Illinois and attended Western Illinois University. He was in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany 1962-1965. He graduated, with honors, from Carl Sandburg College in 1976.

He worked for Burlington Northern railroad, Canteen Corporation, and Wonder Bread throughout his working years. He was a Detroit Lions and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, as well as a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed going to watch Peoria Chiefs games. Once Bob retired, he was able to focus on his favorite things: going to his grandkids’ activities, collecting coins and autographed baseballs, entering contests, and umpiring. He was very proud of his contest wins, which included trips to the Bahamas, the Academy Awards, and two different Super Bowls, as well as cash winnings, and a brand new Dodge Durango R/T. Bob umpired at many baseball and softball games in the area, filling his calendar with games at younger levels, adult leagues, and high school. In recent years, Bob and Sandy have enjoyed being “regulars” at Tres Cafe.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Bishop Hill Cemetery, Bishop Hill, Illinois. Pastor VInce Marolla will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the GHS Booster Club or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.