Robin Anderson

Robin Anderson, age 88 of Manitowoc, Wisconsin passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.

Robin was born on August 10, 1936, in Wepener, South Africa, son of Robert and Gweneth Anderson. He grew up in Wepener and attended school at Saint Andrews in Bloemfontein. Following his education he served in the South African Navy. In 1957 Robin and a friend came across the sea to the United States to attend an automotive internship with Chrysler Motor Company in Detroit.  While on holiday in Puerto Rico, Robin met Sarah “Sally” Rutherford through a mutual friend. On August 15, 1958, Robin married Sally in Manitowoc and began a loving partnership that lasted over 66 years.

Robin’s early business career highlights included working as a bartender and cook at his father-in-law’s motel (Rutherford’s Surf Motor Hotel in Hika) and raising Brahman bulls in Florida.  His big break came when he started with Mirro Aluminum in Manitowoc where he enjoyed a successful career selling cookware, before heading to West Bend Company to take over as VP of Sales and Marketing.  Robin’s success in the Housewares industry led to his eventual ascension to President of Meyer Cookware (U.S.) where he was in charge of all U.S. based operations.  His most gratifying role of his illustrious career was when Robin was named VP of Sales and Marketing for Metalware Corp in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.  During his tenure at Metalware, Robin introduced the Nesco Roaster Oven to the masses through his relationships with Walmart and the QVC Shopping Network which took the company’s Nesco production and popularity to new heights.  A member of the National Housewares Association, Robin was an industry leader until his retirement from Metalware in 2002, which allowed him to focus on various community board appointments and his granddaughters.  

While Robin’s work took him around the world, his true love was weekends at home in Manitowoc with his wife, Sally, and spending time with family and friends at local hangouts such as Kurtz’s, the Yacht Club, and the Courthouse Pub.  But to him there was nothing better than firing up the backyard grill to produce what he thought was the best grilled chicken and brats on the block. Robin was also an avid reader of suspense and historical novels which kept him busy during those long plane rides. 

Survivors include his wife: Sarah “Sally” Anderson, Manitowoc; two sons and daughters-in-law: Robert (Sandra) Anderson, Hoover, AL, David (Nadean) Anderson, Wellington, FL; three adoring granddaughters: Brittney Anderson, Carley Anderson, Jessica Anderson; other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Gweneth Anderson; one brother and sister-in-law: David (Pat) Anderson; one sister and brother-in-law: Joyce (Carl) VanArdt; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law: William (Sandy) Rutherford.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th St., Manitowoc. The Rev. Dr. Matthew Sauer will officiate with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Pfeffer Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. To view the livestream of service, please visit https://www.facebook.com/LakeshoreFamilyFH/  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to support the Lakeshore Humane Society, as Robin and Sally adopted dogs in need throughout their lives.    

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.

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