Reynold “Rey” M. Anderson was born on January 11, 1931 in Minneapolis, MN to his parents Z. Albin E. Anderson (“ZAE”) and Esther Anderson. He passed away suddenly but peacefully March 19, 2017 in Fort Myers, FL at the age of 86.
Rey is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty A. Anderson; children Debby (John) Goding, Rey Anderson Jr., Susan Anderson and Heidi (David Hyman) Anderson; grandchildren Erin, Elizabeth Russel, Catherine (Matias Rothsche) Goding, Laura (Mark) Smetak, Torrey, Luke and Julia; great grandchildren Preston and Katie Smetak; sister in law Joni Finkenbinder; and many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He delighted in his family and was generous of his time, resources and love—his love especially towards Betty! He enjoyed helping his children establish their homes and took great joy in being a willing participant in all sorts of home projects.
Rey was a proud graduate of Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis), a member of the class of 1948. He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1954. He then served with pride in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a First Lieutenant from 1954-1956 at Fort Belvoir, VA. There he taught classes in engineering and authored an instructional book on the principles of design and construction of bridges, roads and airfields. This book continued to be used for many years – a testament to his beautifully drafted designs and ability to present complicated material in an organized and intuitive manner.
After his military service, Rey continued his engineering career by joining his father, Z. Albin E. Anderson, in a successful family-run construction business, ZAECO Associates. During the subsequent decades, Rey built many residential and commercial properties, including more than seventy Perkins restaurants in ten states. Rey enjoyed many longstanding business relationships with his employees, contractors, clients, and advisors.
Rey was actively involved as a board member and volunteer for many community, faith, education and charitable organizations - a favorite being Camp Shamineau in Motley, MN. In his later years, he was especially fond of serving as church usher (both in MN and FL) and volunteering his time at the wheel chair repair shop for Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft. Myers, FL. Rey was a member of First Evangelical Free Church in Minneapolis, MN, Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, MN, and Shell Point Village Church in Ft. Myers, FL.
Having a good attitude was always important to Rey. He exuded optimism, steadfastness and generosity. Rey’s strong spirit and determination were contagious and he never hesitated to encourage those around him. Rey moved through life graciously, endearing him to those who had the privilege of knowing him. Faith and family were important to Rey and he will be deeply missed. We know we will see him again one day with the Lord in Paradise.
A Memorial Service will be held at Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN June 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Rey will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN on June 2, 2017 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to a charity of your choice. Please visit www.estateofrma@gmail.com to leave a condolence to his family.

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