Robert "Robbie" R. Anderson
Robert “Robbie”, “Chunk” R. Anderson age 65, of Menomonie, passed away on Wednesday April 5, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System- Eau Claire, surrounded by his family and friends.
Robbie was born July 17, 1951 in Rice Lake, WI. to the late Walter and Elaine Anderson. Robbie's mother Elaine passed away, and Walt later married Beatrice Slama from Durand.
Robbie grew up mostly in Menomonie, but also lived in Knapp. He attended and graduated from Menomonie High School. Due to a car accident he graduated one year later than his class therefore has always been considered an alumni of both 1969 and 1970.
Robbie started flipping burgers at The Quarterback Club while in high school and worked for his father on the Old Dutch-Snowflake route. He traveled and worked in Seattle Washington, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Idaho, and St. Augustine Florida.
He studied Hotel Restaurant Management and received his Assoc. Degree from CVT, Rice Lake. Robbie worked as a Chef at The Durand House and The Knapp House. He spent six (6) years in St. Augustine, Florida, working at Wendy’s and Pizza Hut as a Manager. Robbie moved back to Menomonie and worked at The Park Side /Piranha Hotel at which he was also the bus agent.
Robbie met and married Linda F. Doxtater / Laursen on September 17, 1989 in Knapp, WI. They resided in Menomonie where he sold cars for Willow Motors, and worked for Doug's Super Value. His last job was for Neighbor Care Pharmacy, delivering pharmaceuticals to area nursing homes until his slip and fall injury forced him onto disability.
Robbie enjoyed good food, traveling on road trips, spoiling his grandchildren which included several odd gifts like a shaggy pony, a goat, and various vehicles. He was seen in Menomonie speeding along 15 miles an hour on his motorized cart. He was well known in the Volkswagen community and owned (just to name a few) a dune buggy, 23 window bus and recently was restoring a VW Thing. Robbie loved Christmas and his spirit of giving was amazing and fun, just like Santa Claus, therefore each year he received a new Santa from those who knew and loved him. He collected UW Stout student's used Christmas trees, the question always was, “ is that tree closer to the dumpster or the door?” Then he gave them away! Just ask about his camping stories, and playing cards with the “Greater Menomonie Advisory Counsel.” Robbie raised Great Danes while living in Florida and received a Great Dane Pup for his wedding gift. He also received a burro he named Ruddy. He loved a variety of music, from 60's to 80's Rock to his favorite song “Amazing Grace.” It was the time spent with family and friends that he cherished most.
Robbie is survived by his wife, Linda, three step-daughters; Michell (Jim) Shafer of Clear Lake, WI , Katina (Steve) Engebretson of Clear Lake, WI , Gina (Johnathon) Kigeya of Middleton,WI, seven step-grandchildren; James, Cody and Travis Shafer, Cori and Carter Engebretson, Joslyn and Jana` Kigeya, two step-great grandchildren; Trent Kuhl and Holden Shafer. Further survived by his seven siblings in a blended family; Debra (George) Pierce, Randy (Terry) Anderson, Skylar (Jane) Anderson, Joe (Marianne) Anderson, Al (LaVonne) Slama, Kris (Dave) Polzer, Kelly (Jeff) Von Holtum, ten nieces and nephews; Todd Slama, Troy Slama, Eric Polzer, Brandy McGown, Preston Pierce, Chessa Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Ashley Anderson, Lance Von Holtum and Heather VonHoltum and many other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elaine and Walt Anderson.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, E6451 S. County Rd. E, Menomonie, WI. 54751, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM Saturday April 22, 2017 at Off Broadway Banquet Center, 1501 N. Broadway, Menomonie, WI. 54751