ROBERT “BOB” LOUIS ANDERSEN
Robert “Bob” Louis Andersen, 90, of Black River Falls, passed away Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Black River Health Center in Black River Falls. He was born Oct. 21, 1935, to Louis M. and Clara C. (Hansen) Andersen in Sparta. Bob was a lifelong resident of Daneville, and attended Daneville grade school for 8 years, then 4 years at Sparta High School; graduating with the Class of ’53.
He farmed with his parents on the farm (dairy and grain) settled by his grandfather, Carl, in 1889; then owned by his parents. He had a happy childhood, along with his sisters, Mildred and Anne; regardless of “The Great Depression.” Bob was baptized and confirmed at Cataract Methodist Church, in Cataract, and remained a member there, all of his life.
He was a 4-H member, then attended the Ag Short Course in Madison (18 weeks), and graduated in March of 1954. His father, Louis, had also attended the Ag Short Course in the 1920s. Bob proudly served in the US Army from 1954-1956, and spent a year in Korea during the Korean Era. He was very proud and honored to serve at Local Veterans’ funerals, as part of Honor Guard for Post 439.
Bob married the love of his life, Lois Gottschalk, in 1965. They were both 30 at the time and agreed that “they saved each other, with the help and encouragement of dear friends, Dick and Em Axelsen”. Together they purchased the farm from Bob’s parents in 1966. They made many fond memories there, in a very friendly and helpful neighborhood.
Bob was also very active in community affairs. He was Assessor for the Town of New Lyme for 47 years. Secretary/Treasurer of Erv’s Rural Area Fire Protection District from the time of its’ start, in 1973. He was a long-time member of Cataract Sportsman’s Club, and American Legion Post 439.
Bob was very mindful of Farm Cooperatives and their benefits for the farming industry. He was a board member of Sparta Coop Exchange, Hiawatha Dairies Coop, Golden Guernsey Dairies Cooperative, and Foremost Farms USA. He was most proud of his Forestry Practices. At a time when there were many abandoned farmland acres in the ‘60’s, his tree planting service accounted for over 1.2 million red pines being planted. Lois and Bob were “Tree Farmers of the Year” in 1987. They also wrote burning permits for WI DNR for 50 years. Bob and Lois owned 280 acres of woodland, which is still being enjoyed for deer hunting by his sister’s children, who presently own it (Deb, Dan, Roger, Dave, and Ron Zillmer).
Bob’s many accomplishments could not have been made without the support of his loving wife, Lois of 60 years, and Karl and Cindy Merow. Karl worked for Lois and Bob for many years. When he married Cindy, they and their children became immediate family. Because of them, Lois and Bob were able to build Lois’ dream home, on a portion of the woodland, over the hill from the farm.
Bob enjoyed deer hunting, playing Poker with friends, and the “Deer Hunters,” and many fishing trips to Canada. He was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, and watched whenever he could.
Bob is survived by his niece, Deb (Dan) Zillmer; nephews, Dave, Roger and Ron Zillmer and their families; friends Karl and Cindy Merow and family; and Lois’ niece, Debra Gottschalk and family; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Clara Andersen; wife Lois (who passed away 1 year and 1 day before him); sisters, Millie Fromm and Ann Zillmer; and his beloved dog, Bailey.
The family would like to thank the Pine View Terrace staff for the outstanding care of both Bob and Lois, Black River Health staff for the compassionate care Bob received in his final days; and friend Suzanne Amo for always being Bob’s go-to person.
In memory of Bob, please donate to your local animal shelter, plant a tree, and support your local farmers and community.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Cataract United Methodist Church Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, with Reverend Lourdes Magalhaes officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by Melrose American Legion Post 439, will be in Cataract Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be served at Cataract Sportsmen’s Club.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta; and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schan hoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.