Ronald B. Anderson

Ronald Burnett Anderson, 91, of Indiana, died Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Indiana. The son of the late Einar (“Andy”) and Judith (Noreen) Anderson, he was born September 17, 1934, in Geneva, Illinois. Ron was a remarkable man, characterized by generosity, a tireless work ethic, empathy, optimism, and integrity. He was a role model for all, and the world is a better place because of him.

As a first-generation American, Ron was always proud of his Swedish heritage. He often spoke of his mother and the stories she told of emigrating from Sweden to America. She crossed the Atlantic not long after the Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans in 1915 during World War I. Passengers aboard her ship, she said, feared the same fate.

Ron was fiercely devoted to his alma mater, Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and to the friends he made there. A mathematics and physics major, he served as senior class president, captain of the basketball team, and a PUGS fraternity member. In later life, he served on Augustana’s Alumni Board and established the Ronald and Nancy Wolfe Anderson Scholarship to help students in financial need.

Joining General Electric soon after graduation, Ron continued with the company for most of his working life and resided for several years in Indiana. Later, he moved to California, becoming vice-president for manufacturing with Watson Laboratories. While still with GE, he learned to fly in 1964. In California, he bought himself a plane, and, being a smart man, bought his wife, Nancy, a new car.

When he retired, Ron moved back to Indiana and quickly became immersed in the community. An active member of Zion Lutheran Church, he sang in the choir, served as Facilities Committee chair, and filled other major roles. As a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association at Jimmy Stewart Airport, Ron organized a Young Eagles program to introduce 8-to-17-year-olds to aviation opportunities. Enlisting other pilots to join him in flying young people once a month for at least a half-hour, he was recognized by the national EAA for his own record of flying 1,500 young people in California and Indiana. Describing himself as an airport rat, Ron also served as board chairman of Jimmy Stewart Airport for many years, the vice president of the Indiana Free Library Board and the Chairman of the Thiel College Board of Trustees.

Ron is survived by children Scott Anderson and wife Dawn, Dallas, Texas, and Stephanie Pribish, Williamsport; five grandchildren: Chelsea Wilson, Houston, Texas; Alexandra Moreau, Austin, Texas; and Nanci Anderson, Nicholas Anderson, and Isabella Garcia, all of Dallas, Texas; four great-grandchildren: River Wilson, Renzo Wilson, Josephine Moreau, and Christina Garcia; and his significant other, Dr. Ruth Riesenman, Indiana. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Wolfe) Anderson, and a sister, Phyllis Coleman.

A funeral ceremony will be held on Sunday February 15, 2026 at 2 o’clock at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 South 6th Street, Indiana, with Pastor Tedd Cogar officiating. Friends will be received one hour before the service in the church’s Chapman Room. A luncheon at the church will follow the funeral service. Interment will be made in Greenwood Cemetery. Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 South 6th Street, Indiana, PA 15701 or to Concordia-IRMC VNA, 850 Hospital Road, #3000, Indiana, PA 15701. Arrangements are being handled by Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 North 7th Street, Indiana. To view the obituary or sign the online guest book, please visit shoemakerfamilyservices.com