Anderson, Rueben E. -- 1926 - 2009

ANDERSON, ENGELHARDT, SKAIM

Posted By: D. Fox Engelhardt
Date: 8/13/2009 at 19:26:15

Rueben E. Anderson

Sun Prairie- Our dear husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa Rueben E. Anderson passed away peacefully on August 7, 2009 at the age of 82 after a long courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family.

Rueben Anderson was born September 4, 1926 in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Andrew and Clara (Skaim) Anderson. He was united in marriage with Donna Engelhardt on June 6, 1951 in Decorah, Iowa. Rueben retired from the Madison Kipp Corporation after working there for 30 years.

Rueben loved his wife, family, and friends. He will be remembered for his story telling, great sense of humor and big heart. He was always there with a helping hand. He had a gift to talk and he enjoyed traveling, dancing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Donna, of Sun Prairie and nine children: Gary (Patty) Anderson of Murrysville, PA; Beverly (Larry) Erbs of Reedsburg; WI, Rosemary (Scott) Fehrman of Sun Prairie, WI; Marlene (Tom) Benzmiller of Chicago, IL; Barbara (Bob) Herro of Cottage Grove, WI; Elaine (Mike) Gerke of De Forest, WI; Randy Anderson of Madison, WI; Denise Anderson of Sun Prairie, WI; and Brian (Amy) Anderson of De Forest, WI. Rueben had 16 grandchildren: John Anderson; Emily, Travis, Nathan and Jacob Erbs; Derek and Dylan Fehrman; Kathrynn (James) Fee and Heather Benzmiller; Ashley and Zachary Herro; Clayton Arnold and Erica Gerke; Dustin, Oliver, and Benjamin Anderson and 2 great grandchildren Ryan and Elizabeth Anderson.
He is also survived by seven sisters: Pearl Davidson of Columbus, WI; Louise Vander Sanden and Lorraine (Roger) Nolden of Sun Prairie, WI; Arlene Hogenson and Verna (Willard) Hanson of Decorah, IA; Ellen (Arland) Brown of Mabel, MN and Gladys (Lawrence) Hageman of Cresco, IA; and a sister-in-law Gloria Anderson of Waunakee, WI; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rueben was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Clara; four brothers, Arnold, Clarence, Leonard and Orval and one sister Florence Wilmot; four sisters-in-law Lucille Anderson, Emma Anderson, Mabel Anderson and Geralda Anderson; and five brothers-in-law Irving Davidson, George Wilmot, Arnold Hogenson, George Bidne, and Dave Vander Sanden.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to wife Donna and daughter Denise for their exceptional care throughout his illness, and to Hospice for their compassion. A special thanks to the staff at UW and St. Mary's Hospitals, and Dr. Paul Schmidt and Becky Krueger of Dean Clinic. Also, a special thank you to Paul Hintze who has helped Rueben for the last few years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday August 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Bristol Lutheran Church 6835 Hwy N, Sun Prairie with Rev. Sylvia Lee-Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 4-8:00 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home, Sun Prairie and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be used to help his daughter Beverly continue her fight with brain cancer.