Rev. Thomas Robert Anderson

ANDERSON ROCHESTER, MN: Rev. Thomas Robert Anderson, 85, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL. Thomas Robert Anderson was born May 18, 1927 in Minneapolis to E.T. and Mabel Anderson. He was a 1945 graduate ofOconomowoc High School and then served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946, during which time he attended Emory and Henry College and the University of Virginia, during which time he sang in the Navy Bluejacket Chorus. After leaving the Navy he attended St. Olaf College, majoring in chemistry and biology and singing in the St. Olaf Choir, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950.During the Korean War he served in the Army from 1950-1951.Thomas was married to Miriam Taylor on August 8, 1953.In 1957, he graduated from Luther Seminary receiving his Bachelor of Theology degree. Rev. Anderson was ordained into the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on May 27th, 1957, with his first call at United Lutheran in Zumbrota, Minnesota.He served at Grace Lutheran in Waseca, Bethel Lutheran in Minneapolis, and Gloria Dei Lutheran in Rochester, retiring in 1992.After retiring, Rev. Anderson served 9 parishes as an interim pastor.For many years, Rev. Anderson worked with various chemical dependency clinics and programs as a counselor and hearing 5th steps of clients. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Miriam; children Tom (Lisa), Kathy, Tim (Kay), Martha (Todd) and Taylor (Bill), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Gerry Anderson and sisters Ruth Lundeen and Audrey Olson. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, E.T. and Mabel Anderson brothers Doug and John Anderson. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 1212 12th Ave NW, Rochester, MN, with the Reverend Dr. Charles Ortloff officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until time of service. Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester.