Rodney Earl Anderson

He was born to Delmer and Clara (Erickson) Anderson on December 3, 1929, the fourth of six children, in Cloquet, Minnesota, close to the family dairy farm in Carlton, Minnesota. During his life of 96 years and 4 months he witnessed, studied, taught and travelled to places he could only dream about as a young boy. Growing up on a farm made him realize that he wanted all those things and more. He married his school sweetheart, Mary Ethyl (Bugbee) Anderson in 1950, and after completing college in 1951, the two newlyweds packed up their panel truck and moved to Rocky Ford, Colorado, where Rod began a high school teaching career, which continued after their move to Denver in 1955. Along the way he earned both Master's and Doctor's degrees at University of Northern Colorado, became a career counselor, summer school principal, the State of Colorado's Industrial Arts Consultant and Jefferson County Vocational Career Counselor, all the while participating in professional groups, including President, Colorado Industrial Arts Association, and Vice-President, American Industrial Arts Supervisors. In 1974, he was recruited as a full Professor at Colorado State University, retiring there in 1988. Along with Mary, they began a second career of guiding groups around the world. Together, they visited all 7 continents, including some 84 countries. They relished their travels, but much more so their countless friends and extended family, here and abroad. Together they had 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, all surviving. Rod and Mary were married for nearly 70 years before Mary's passing in 2020. Rod was an avid, excellent wood worker, crafting items for family and church. He and Mary volunteered at their church, Poudre Valley Hospital and Larimer County Food Bank. He loved playing bridge, hand and foot, hearts and other card games. His wit and wisdom continued unabated until his death.

A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, US, on May 15, 2026, at 10:00 am.