Obituary of Robert Edward Andersen

Robert (Bob) Edward Andersen left this world peacefully after a tragic accident on March 17, 2023.  He died at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Bob was 78 years young.

Bob was born in Joliet, Illinois to Ira and Bernace (Colvin) Andersen on November 27, 1944. He was the oldest of four siblings with 1 sister and 2 brothers.  Bob grew up and attended school in Loveland, graduating from Loveland High School in 1962.  He attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and earned a degree in English in 1967.  Bob was drafted into the army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War as a member of the 101^st Army Airborne Division.  Bob made significant contributions during his service and received several service and commendation medals as well as a Bronze Star.

In 1969, after his service in Vietnam, Bob spent the next 31 years in Loveland teaching 7^th grade English and Social Studies.  He taught most of his 31 years at Bill Reed Middle School.  His passion and commitment to his students and colleagues was revealed in the recognition and appreciation he frequently received as well as his 31 years of perfect attendance.  Bob retired from teaching in 2000.

In 1998, Bob married his long-time soulmate, Gwen, on his sailboat in the middle of Boyd Lake in Loveland, Colorado.  He was a devoted husband and a loving father to his stepson, Marcus. 

Bob loved the outdoors and seeing the world around him.  He sailed, traveled cross country on his motorcycle, traveled by car cross country for family trips, skied, and hiked.  He was an artist and a craftsman with exceptional talent. In his later years he enjoyed taking short drives around Loveland, watching NCIS reruns and baseball games, puttering in the garage, and providing a home to rescue dogs.  Pit bulls became the favorite breed to rescue.  Also, Bob frequently donated to the Larimer Humane Society to “support the pups.”

Bob is survived by his wife and soulmate, Gwen; his stepson, Marcus Deason; nephew, Ben (Nichole) Andersen; nieces, Carin Barrett and Christina Brown; grandnieces Alexia Brown and Alexia Andersen; grandnephew Payton Brown; and numerous in-laws, cousins, extended family, and close family friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Ira Andersen; his mother, Bernace Andersen; his mother-in-law, Joyce Rowell; his sister, Carolyn Barrett; his brothers, James Andersen and Ronald Andersen; and sister-in-law, Patricia Andersen.

A service to remember Bob will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 am in Loveland, Colorado at Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Ave.  Interment of ashes will occur at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob’s honor to Larimer Humane Society at https://register.larimerhumane.org/give/335785/#!/donation/checkout