Robert Anderson

Robert Carl (Bud) Anderson, age 72, a lifelong resident of L'Anse died on Saturday, June 15, 2002, in a fatal car accident.

Bud was born on April 2, 1930, in Pequaming, MI to Joseph and Agnes (Soli) Anderson. Bud graduated from L'Anse High School in 1948 and was President of his class. He had an active sports career, exceeding in football as quarterback, basketball as a guard and baseball as a center fielder. He attended Suomi College and Northern Michigan University studying Business and Journalism.

He married Bernice Bishop on April 12, 1952, having met in high school. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. They have four children, Robert J. (Jeanne Sikkila) Anderson, Lynn M. (Peter) Dove, Michael A. (Pam Schulz) Anderson all of L'Anse, and Richard J. (Anna Fox) Anderson of Maple Grove, MN; several grandchildren, Peter R. Dove, Robert S. Anderson, Ryan M. Dove, Lisa A. Dove, Sarah J. Anderson, Megan S. Anderson, Broderick C. Anderson, Lucas J. Anderson, Michael E. Anderson; one great granddaughter, Katie LaBeau, and two step grandchildren, Derek VanBuren and Drew VanBuren. He loved to spend hours entertaining his grandchildren. His family was truly his pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother Richard W. (Carol) Anderson of Clinton, MI; sisters, Shirley (James) Seratti of Waterford Twp., Gwendolyn Anderson of Hancock; sister-in-law Helen Anderson of L'Anse; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Duane "Duball" Anderson.

Bud worked for Ala Gas Co. and Lakeview Lumber Co. before finding his career choice in insurance sales where he was District Manager for AFLAC Insurance and operated Anderson Insurance. He also worked for John Hancock and Metropolitan Life Insurance as a field officer. He owned the White Birch Motel for 15 years and the Baraga County Abstract and Title Co. for many years.

He was very active in the community of L'Anse. Bud Bowled most of his life in the Whirl-I-Gig teams, and organized a Sunday night mix league at the Ojibwa Lanes. He was active in all sports, mens baseball and softball leagues for many years. Coached little league and American Legion baseball. He played in the men's Lions Club basketball teams. He was active in the L'Anse American Legion, served as Commander for several years and on various committees. He was a helper when the present American Legion Building was constructed. Bud was also a member of the L'Anse VFW. Bud was a Lions' Lion. He lived "to serve" others. Bud joined the L'Anse Lions in 1971. Over the years he achieved 18 years of perfect attendance and held many offices, including President and Secretary on the local level. He sponsored seven new members and received a MembershipAdvancement Key. He served as District Governor of 10A in 1983-84. In 1992 he was District 10 membership chairman, from 1993-96 he was District 10 Welcome Home Chairperson, 1997-2002 District 10 Sports Chairperson, and from 1999-2001 he was White Cane Chairperson. The last few years he became an active member of the Kiwanis.

Bud was a wonderful, kind, caring, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in L'Anse. Visitation will be on Monday, June 17 from 6-9:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct a military service at 7:00 p.m., and the Lions Club will have a service at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Judy Mattson will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.

Contributions may be made in Bud's memory to: Northwoods Air Lifeline, 314 River Hills Rd., Kingsford, MI 49802, or Upper Michigan Lions Eye Bank, 420 West Magnetic St., Marquette, MI 49855.