We miss him dearly. He was a wonderful pastor and friend. I was baptized and confirmed by him many many years ago. He was great person and will be missed by many. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family.

Pastor Ralph was a kind and genuine person. He served my former church, Christ The King, as interim pastor and the throughout the following years as supply pastor.  I remember him fondly for his great smile, the wisdom he shared, and his all encompassing passion.  He will be missed.

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of such a kind and gentle man.  I will  always be grateful for his wise counsel when we first moved to Columbia and one of our daughters was struggling with the transition. Pastor Anderson and Jan were so kind to our family when we joined St. Andrews Lutheran Church that we felt welcome right away. 
He was a quick thinker when one of our daughters, as a maid of honor for a wedding he was officiating, forgot the groom's ring. Pastor Anderson slipped his own off and helped the ceremony proceed without missing a beat.
Jan - we are using your fruit soup recipe from the cookbook this weekend for a Swedish smorgasbord birthday celebration! 
Thank you both for everything - I hope you find comfort in your memories. 
Marjorie (Mrs. Joe) Vandepopuliere and family

Ralph was one of our best neighbors and a joy to have around.  He was a good friend to my father who had moved in with us and we enjoyed many moments of togetherness with Ralph, Jan, Milt, John and I.  He is sadly missed and leaves a loving wife and great friend.  Our love to the family.

Sending love  to Jan and all of the Anderson family. With  gratitude to him for all he did to make Incarnate the wonderful church it was for our family.  I can only imagine the stories that you, his beloved family, are sharing. Those stories will warm your hearts, even through  the tears.  Thank you for sharing Ralph Anderson with us.

My sincere condolences to Jan and the rest of the family. Pastor Ralph was a kind, friendly, and supportive leader of Incarnate Word in Rochester. A man of integrity and inclusiveness, he welcomed all.

I have so many memories of working with Ralph at Incarnate Word, in our conference and in the Metropolitian Strategy Group. Singing liturgy with him for Evening Prayer, planning confirmation together, working with the midweek music and education program was a joy for me. More importantly,I remember his pastoral care. No one was simply an employee, every aspect of a person who came to his attention mattered. He and Jan were one in this heatfelt attention to people. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his family. My prayers will be filled with gratitude.

He was our pastor in Rochester NY and I saw Jan his wife I my work as I was also an NP. Such a wonderful couple and family. He was a special man.

Ralph was one of the finest men I ever knew and served as a theological mentor to me and many others as the head of Ministry Mentors in Colorado. Ralph and Jan joined us on our journey to the Holy Land several years ago and I came to appreciate even more the depth of Ralph's faith and his intelligence and compassion in interpreting scripture in the context of social justice. Ralph was an exceptional servant of the Gospel and I will miss him terribly.

My name Jordan Long, Pastor and President of the Lutheran Church of South Sudan.  Rev. Dr. Anderson was my mentor and God father.  He helped sponsored my theological education at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and became a person friend and mentor.  My heartfelt condolence goes to his immediate family, particularly his wife and children.  May God Almighty rest his precious soul in eternal peace.

Condolences  to Meg and your entire family.  There’s no denying the family resemblance, especially that bright smile and positive outlook on life! Warm regards and a big hug from Newport, RI.

So sorry to hear of your loss Megan and family. BEST memory ever is sitting at your dinner table one night in elementary school. The discussion the night prior was me asking if your father ever swore. You asked him, while I was enjoying a lovely sip of milk. His response, of “H*LL NO!”and a full belly laugh sent me running into the kitchen while the milk came spewing out. 🤣  so many great memories at your house. He will be missed. Love you you all❤️ Stacey Marshall Henson

I was deeply saddened to hear about Ralph's passing.  I knew him as a valued Pine Creek neighborhood volunteer who always helped with our annual garage sales, summer picnics, and holiday celebrations as part of the Community Connections Committee. I will remember his helpfulness, positive attitude, and friendly smile. He always had a moment to say hello, chit chat about the events of our lives, and wish us the best. Ralph's family is in my prayers and I wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead.

My loving husband Ralph Boerschlein passed away 2 days before Ps. Anderson passed. Both Ralphs were so closed at Incarnate Word.  My condolence and symphaty to your family.

Elsie Boerschlein & family

Ralph was such a wonderful person and friend and neighbor when he and Jan and the girls lived in Columbia, MO. Ralph was a special person and one of God’s chosen to lead others to Christ. He is gone from here, but has a special place now in eternity. 
John & Margie Meyer

Pastor Ralph was enjoyed every time we saw him preach or met him for coffee.  A great mind and God's  worker.  He will be missed!

Ralph was a colleague and gift to me when I moved to Rochester in 1990 for parish ministry down the road from Incarnate Word where he served. He quickly became a trusted friend and fellow golfer who always carried a 1 Iron. He was a much better golfer as well as theologian than I was which allowed me to learn from him. He and Jan were always welcoming. He was a churchman of the first order, worked locally in the ecumenical movement and was an astute preacher and liturgist, among other attributes. Always thoughtful in response to inquiries and sometimes silly questions he helped me to grow in faith and life in small yet significant ways. He will be dearly missed by many including Lin and me.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

OBITUARY

Ralph D Anderson

March 6, 1938 – December 14, 2024

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services