Donald R. Anderson

Donald Robert Anderson passed away on July 14, 2025, in the comfort of his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on July 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Don's 95 years of life were marked by kindness, patience, and a warm spirit that brightened the lives of those around him. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary J. Anderson, his daughters Candice Anderson (Alex Johnson), Christina Anderson (Steven Edelman), and Anne Anderson (Liz Manlin), his five grandchildren, his brother Charley (Jane) of Savanna, IL, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Gilbert Anderson, and his brothers Richard and Walter.

Don grew up on the South Side of Chicago. As a young man, Don pursued his passion for sports at the University of Illinois, where he studied physical education and left an indelible mark as a hall of fame wrestler.

After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Don embarked on a varied career. Initially he worked as a coach and gym teacher. He taught at the college, elementary, and middle school levels. Later, he transitioned to a career as a tax appraiser for the Cook County Assessor's Office. He enjoyed being “out in the field” and how his job took him to a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. He had an affinity for paper maps and atlases, and often took time to show his daughters how to navigate Chicago’s thoroughfares using his large map book of neighborhood streets.

In the early 1970s, he met Mary J. Stuveling in the Nomads, a ski club based in Chicago. They wed in 1975, sharing 50 loving years of marriage. Don loved to explore Chicago and travel further distances with Mary, finding the local Starbucks on the road when they drove to Florida every winter, as well as visiting his daughters in Boston, Philadelphia, and many other cities. Don loved being a dad and a grandpa. He was always ready to follow the lead of his daughters or grandsons and get on the floor and play, or cheer them on at their various sporting events. He was affectionately known as Bumpa to his grandsons: Dae, Sullivan, Wilder, Ferdinand, and Reuben, with whom he frequently shared his chocolate bars.

Don's personal life was anchored by his Christian faith, and he was a member of his local Catholic parish. He was involved in Young Catholic Workers and Apostolate of the Handicapped as a young adult, and volunteered in the food pantry at his parish in Blue Island, IL. Don was a sports enthusiast, and he especially enjoyed tennis and golf. He relished a slow pace and savored simple pleasures like a good cup of coffee, a cold beer, and Fannie May chocolates. He was an avid reader of the Chicago Tribune, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Wordle every day. His easygoing sense of humor and optimistic outlook never waned, even in the face of illness.

Don was a gentle soul, with a warm heart. He was kind to everyone, and will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. A beloved husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend, Donald Robert Anderson leaves a legacy of tenderness, quiet humor, and patient presence. His was a long life well-lived, full of kindness, warmth, and an abundance of love.

In lieu of flowers, Don's family would appreciate donations to Elim Christian Services, 13020 S. Central Avenue, Crestwood, IL 60418 or a charity of your choice working to make the world a better place.

Visitation hours with the Anderson family will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem), Orland Park, IL.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400