Obituary of Rodney Ray Anderson

Rodney Ray Anderson

Rod Anderson, a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death, including his wife, his children, and each of his eight grandchildren. Despite mounting medical issues, his love and gratitude for family and friends sustained him and provided immense solace.

Rod grew up on the east side of Saint Paul near Phalen Park, where he and his brothers, Orville and Wendell, spent countless hours playing hockey, each going on to play at the college level. Rod attended Saint Paul Johnson and Dartmouth College, where he earned a degree in history and captained the hockey team. He went on to coach hockey at the Blake School, inspiring many young people to relish the possibilities of a fresh sheet of ice.

Teaching was perhaps Rod’s greatest passion. He taught Social Studies at Blake School for 40 years, and though he officially retired in 2001, he continued to teach at both Blake and Lake Country School for years after. Rod’s mixture of gravity and humor in the classroom engaged and inspired innumerable students. He was passionate about his subject and had great affection for his students and colleagues. Even after his teaching days, he couldn’t resist launching into mini lectures on a variety of historical topics and creating handwritten “tests” for his children’s wary potential spouses and his delighted grandchildren.

Rod was an unapologetic advocate for democracy. He loved history, politics, reading, music, sharing a meal with good friends, and countless cribbage games with the love of his life: Barb. He took a keen interest in everyone he met and thrived on connections with others. He was also a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and served there as a volunteer usher and president of the congregation.

The house in South Minneapolis, where he lived with Barb for 60 years, was the centerpiece of much joy. Gratefully, he was able to live in his cherished home until the last three days of his life. His final Christmas eve at the house was one for the ages and included joyous fiddle music, dancing, singing, and sacred tears.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Gladys Anderson, and his brothers Orville and Wendell. He is survived by his wife Barb, his children Eric, Cynthia (Brian), Ted (Anne), and his grandchildren: Clara, Sofie, Ellie, Ben, Emma, Charlie, Harriet, and Meredith.

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (4100 Lyndale Ave S.) on Friday, April 26 at 11:00 AM (visitation begins at 9:30). A livestream of the service will be available at: blctcmn.co/stream. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.