John Robert Anderson

Dr. John Robert Anderson, 90, went to his well-earned rest on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, surrounded by his family at his home.

John accomplished much during his life. During World War II, he joined the Army and served in the 293rd GHQ Army Band under Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Tokyo, Japan.

He attended Midland College for a year, then went on to earn his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Purdue University. A position as an engineer at the Allison Division of GMC brought him from Nebraska to Indiana in 1954.

In 1960, he joined the faculty of DePauw University and retired 32 years later, having served as an assistant dean of the university, chairman of the mathematics department and professor of mathematics.

During his life he strived to teach his children and grandchildren to view the world with open hearts and minds and work to make it a better place for all, exemplifying the latter by his involvement with numerous philanthropic efforts including Rotary International, Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Thrivent.

He was also very active in his spiritual home, Peace Lutheran Church, where he served in many roles and loved singing in the choir.

His hometown of Stromsburg, Nebraska, honored his achievements by bestowing the title of "Honorary Swede" upon him at their annual Swedish Festival in 1977.

When it was time to relax, he could usually be found playing bridge, cheering on his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers or out on the golf course.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years and the great love of his life, Bertha M. (Nore) Anderson; his children, Eric (Mary Catherine) Anderson of Fairland and Mary Anderson and fiancé Bobby Morris of Greencastle; his grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Hackworth of Fairland, Jamie Bright of Greencastle, and Cody (Nicole) Anderson of Plainfield; his great-grandchildren, Shelbi Smith of Greenwood, Blayde Hackworth of Fairland and Emma Anderson of Plainfield; his sister, Laura Jane Hunt of Des Moines, Iowa; his brother-in-law, Ole (Marian) Nore of Lincoln, Neb.; his brother-in-law, Paul Nore of Milpitas, Calif.; his brother-in-law, Henry (Ardith) Nore of Belle Fourche, S.D.; and a wealth of cherished family and friends.

Welcoming him home are his parents, Norris and Violet (Stromberg) Anderson, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Donna Anderson, brother and sister-in-law Paul and Elaine Anderson, brother Lawrence Rodney Anderson, brother-in-law Alvin Hunt, beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Troy Quiz and his wonderful staff, as well as Stephanie, Kathy and the rest of the team at Amedisys who provided such excellent care for John and our family.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1421 S. Bloomington St., Greencastle. An additional visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Peace Lutheran Church, with services beginning at 11 a.m. and interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle to follow.

Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church in John's memory.

Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memories may be shared with family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.