Robert Joseph "Bob" Anderson

      Robert Joseph "Bob" Anderson, age 73, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022, at MyMichigan Medical Center, Alma, MI.

    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Apostle Catholic Church, Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Edwin Dwyer presiding. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. 

    Robert was born in Escanaba, MI, on December 20, 1948, the son of Raymond and Bette (Smith) Anderson. Bob graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1967. He went on to graduate from MSU with his bachelor’s degree in education. Bob married Jeannie Kent in 1974at St. Paul's Apostle Catholic Church, Ithaca, MI.   He proudly served his county as a MP in the United States Army.

    Bob started his teaching career at Gaylord St. Mary's and went on to Vanderbilt Public School and finished his career at Ithaca High School.  His passion was coaching basketball for over fifty seasons.  Bob was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018.  He loved golfing, storytelling, collecting baseball cards and doing the Sunday edition of the New York Times crossword puzzle.

    He is survived by wife Jeannie Anderson of Ithaca, MI; sons: Matthew and Kelly Anderson of Fenton, MI; Jeremy and Brandee Anderson of Riverton, UT; grandchildren: Rayn, Kierstyn, Miles, Kent, Ari, Maddi, and Fritz; siblings: Mary Coyro of Grosse Point Park, MI; Betsy Anderson of CO; Fritz Anderson of Seattle, WA; Katie and Bob Lenneman of Alexandria, VA; John and Laurie Anderson of Seattle, WA; Hattie and Art Vogel of Seattle, WA; and Charlie and Lisa Anderson of Braintree, MA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Rayme Anderson, and one sister Binnie Anderson.

     Memorials may be made to Blue & Gold Athletic Club, Attn: Terry Hessbrook, 710 North Union Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 or the American Diabetes Association.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.