Kenneth Raymond Anderson

Kenneth Raymond Anderson passed away after a brief illness in Riverside, California on Sunday, July 25, 2021. He was born in Chicago to Ruth and Ray Anderson. Along with his older brother Donald, he had a wonderful childhood that included trips across the US and playing high school football. He earned a BS in Political Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology while serving in ROTC.

Ken was a devout Christian who was devoted to the community of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Riverside, serving in many roles including leading bible studies, hosting vacation bible schools, maintaining the grounds, and serving as the congregation’s president. He spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force serving at bases located in Montana, Missouri, California, Florida, and New Mexico—as well as a rotation in Thailand during the Vietnam War—working primarily in military security and rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. After he retired from the USAF, he returned with his family to Riverside where he launched his second career as a security professional for Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. In his retirement, he enjoyed running a landscaping business and staying active in the professional society for security police officers.

Ken was married to the love of his life, Kathleen Gnuse Anderson, for 47 years until her passing in 2012. They raised, with love, three children—Ken (Leysia), Kristin (David), and Kevin (May)—and had six grandchildren whom they adored—Anthony, Maxwell, Lilja, Miles, Lily, and Gray. His family will dearly miss his smile and distinctive laugh; he will be missed by many friends across his various communities.

A funeral will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 2 at 9:30 AM. A reception will immediately follow the funeral service. He will be buried at Riverside National Cemetery at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Gethsemane, since that church meant so much to Ken and Kathy.