Obituary of Donald Robert Anderson

Donald Robert Anderson, 75, was taken from us much too soon on Monday, January 28, 2019.

He leaves his wife of 40 years, Patricia (Nelson) Anderson; his son, Tim Anderson (Christine) of Wilmette;  his daughter, Kimberly Anderson of Paris, France; five adored grandchildren: Emeric Guerrand, Andrew Guerrand, William Guerrand, Maxsen Anderson and Emma Anderson; his nephew Christopher Anderson (Rachel) and Sister-in-Law Janet Anderson as well many dear friends including the beloved rescue dog Mookie. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Dennis, his only sibling and his parents Grace and Hugo “Andy” Anderson.

Born and raised in Elmwood Park,  Don settled in Libertyville, IL where he and his wife lived for the past 29 years. 

After graduating from Luther North High School in 1961, he attended University of Illinois at Chicago Pharmacy School, and went on to receive his MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Business. 

Although Pharmacy was his initial path, the highlight of Don’s career was VP of Facilities Administration at Lake Forest Hospital (1970-1994), a job he loved very much. He proceeded to work as a Pharmacist part-time for Walgreens in his retirement years to keep busy before fully retiring in 2010.

Don met and married Patti Nelson in 1978.  They loved each other deeply and traveled to some exotic places over the years, from Scandinavia to the Bahamas.   While they had no children together, Don was always a part of her family’s gatherings, often hosting a key holiday or gathering.

Don volunteered with the Lake County Forest Preserves for many years. He especially enjoyed being a dedicated educational guide at Almond Marsh Rookery on Saturday mornings where he was loved by the kids and adults that came to observe the birds. He always had a smile as he instructed on the use of binoculars, telescopes and books to identify various herons, ducks and songbirds that frequented the Rookery. He cared deeply about nature and our environment and attended monthly Lake County Audubon meetings and Green Drinks Environmental Awareness meetings.

His reputation as a jokester started early in life, competing with his brother Den to see who could pull the best prank. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren and made it a mission to pass on the talent for holding a spoon on your nose, no matter the occasion or fancy of a restaurant.

Don had tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren.  Each summer he looked forward to hosting his daughter Kim and his three grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Grandpa Raisin” as well as reciprocal visits to France.  He was happy when his son Tim moved back from the East Coast and always enjoyed and opportunity to go flying with Tim or and adventure like seeing the Waukegan Air Show together.

He loved watching his granddaughter Emma play soccer, and his grandson Max swim, or play waterpolo.  He even drove to Canada to take his grandson Andrew (attending college at McGill) to his first marathon.

Don loved reading biographies, learning, a great manhattan, coupons and getting a good deal.  He was a planner. He loved to fish, especially with his brother, and owned several boats in his lifetime.  As he retired, bird watching, being in nature, telling a good story, getting a good laugh, riding his motorcycle and his dogs Mookie, and Newt became the focus of his and Patti’s life.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 4th from 4pm - 8pm at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl (Rt 176, 1 Blk East of Rt 21) in Libertyville. Funeral service at 10 am Tuesday, February 5th at the funeral home.  A private burial will take place for Family later that day.

Donations can be made in Don’s name in lieu of flowers to http://www.lakecountyaudubon.org/

Funeral info (847) 362-2626. Please sign the guestbook at LibertyvilleFuneralHome.com