Dr. R.H. "Swede" Anderson

With great sorrow, and with gratitude for a life well lived, the loving family of Swede Anderson shares the news of his death at the age of 85. Judy Anderson, his college sweetheart and wife of 62 years, was with him until the end. The proud son of Swedish immigrants, Swede lived an optimistic, gregarious life, guided and shaped throughout by his faith in God and leavened by his trademark corny sense of humor.

Swede was born in St. Cloud and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, then in Jefferson, Iowa. Swede said he had the best childhood, with his parents, Harold and Margaret, and his older sister, Jone. Swede joked that he participated in every club, musical group, and sport in high school only because, in the small town of Jefferson, everybody had to participate to fill the rosters. But he was setting his life-long pattern of meeting people, trying new challenges, and being a leader.

Swede's great gift was that he wanted the best for others. His faith in the saving love and presence of Jesus Christ shaped everything he did and was at the heart of giving his life for others. This passion led him and Judy to living and traveling all over the world.

Swede and Judy met as freshmen at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where both would major in political science with an emphasis on international affairs. Both came to faith during those years and set their intention to dedicate their lives to the work of sharing God’s love. After seminary training at Dallas Theological Seminary, they pioneered this work on college campuses in Texas and Pennsylvania, then with university students and business leaders in Latin America. During ministry with political leaders in Washington, DC and New York City, Swede also earned a DMin at Westminster Theological Seminary, studying how the gospel shapes leadership in the political sphere. Swede and Judy ministered with political and business leaders in Europe, especially the former Soviet bloc countries. Throughout their ministry lives, Swede and Judy were at the creative forefront of pioneering new forms of ministry all over the world as leaders in Campus Crusade for Christ.

Swede was a wonderful father and grandfather. He delighted in his family, and they knew it. After a serious battle with pancreatic cancer at age 50, his family (and nine grandchildren not yet born at that time) remain grateful for the gift of 35 more years with him. While Swede maintained a very public life, his family fondly remembers him as an affectionate, fun, humorous, confident, and adventurous man. Swede loved British mystery movies, reading, college football and basketball, and traveling. He expressed his deep love for all of his family and friends, and he was a role model of integrity. In his final illness, Swede still found freedom, confidence, and peace in God’s love for him.

Swede is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Anderson and Margaret (Wicklund) Anderson, and his sister, Jone (Anderson) Jensen. He is survived by his wife, Judith (Kraus) Anderson and their three children and their spouses: Valerie Zander; Tiffany Robinson (Peter); Matthew Anderson (Whitney); his nine grandchildren: Kyle Zander, Conrad Zander, Christopher Zander, Ben Robinson, Sofia Robinson, Anna Robinson, Hope Anderson, Chase Anderson, and Elliot Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be made to Amazing Place. Link: https://www.amazingplacehouston.org/donate/

A service will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 3:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524. A reception will follow at the church. The livestream of the service can be accessed here: https://youtube.com/live/JWzJVpCwIg8?feature=share

Please check back here for updates. See below for information for friends from out of town.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Parking:

Parking is located on the west side, behind the church and can be accessed from West Mulberry or West Myrtle.

Time:

The service will commence at First Presbyterian at 3 pm mountain time.

Livestream:

The service livestream can be accessed here: https://youtube.com/live/JWzJVpCwIg8?feature=share

Reception:

The reception following the service will be held at the church.

Lodging Options:

There are many lodging options in Fort Collins. The below are a variety of hotels within an easy driving distance to First Presbyterian church.

1. Marriott – 350 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins 970-226-5200

2. The Elizabeth – 111 Chestnut Street, Fort Collins 970-490-2600

3. Hilton Fort Collins – 425 West Prospect, Fort Collins 970-482-2626