Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson of Albert Lea died Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Good Samaritan.  He was born in Spring Valley, WI on February 18, 1936.  He was an Army veteran and served honorably for nearly 15 years.  Robert was ready to be with the Lord, and our gracious God took him peacefully in his sleep.

You may have seen Robert pushing his walker through the downtown area of Albert Lea over the last few years.  He happened upon Hope Church one Sunday and stuck around.  He would take the bus and get dropped off right outside the doors and find his way upstairs to take in the people, music and message.  As a church we were so blessed by his presence.  We were blessed that he felt welcome to join us and welcome to pursue the Lord alongside us.  Robert struggled with some memory loss and such that made it difficult to get to know him at times, but one Sunday he responded to an altar call where an understanding that there was a good GOD who loved him “clicked”, and he gave his heart to Him.  One fond memory we have is when he showed up to the office with a low rider bicycle convinced that he was going to fix it up and ride it.  He had some gusto and determination!  It sat at our church office for awhile while we convinced him that it was not a good idea!  In his final days, he began to mourn the loss of not having family and friends more and more, but we are so glad that he chose to give Hope a shot and allowed us to love him and rub shoulders in his remaining years. 

His life serves as a good reminder that there are many who are lonely, sad, marginalized, different, segregated and the list goes on, that are living in our community and going about their business around us.  Reach out.  Love on a neighbor.  Be the light of Jesus.  Help a friend.  Encourage the brokenhearted.  Do something.  Your life matters and so does theirs.  God is a good Father and a good Friend and He wants you to be an extension of this kindness to others!  

Robert will be greatly missed by Pastor Kaleb & Kristy Hurley, the Hope Church Staff and his Hope Church family!  Special thanks to those who offered him kindness and cared for his needs at the nursing home in his last days. 

We will take time to remember Robert during one of our Sunday services to come.  If you knew Robert personally and have a story to share, please call or message us at Hope Church in Albert Lea!