Van Anderson

 

Van Robert Anderson

Van Robert Anderson

West Lafayette - Van R. Anderson died on Oct. 24, 2021, at IU Arnett Hospital after a brief illness.

Van was a kind and gentle soul, always ready to help a neighbor. Van marveled at the natural world, filling his yard with flowers and plants. His interests were many, ranging from art and antiques to travel and literature. During his professional career, Van worked as a nurse in Lafayette area nursing homes and the Indiana State Veteran's Home. He was quiet, compassionate, and had a special empathy for his patients. He was valued by his co-workers for his calm demeanor and deep compassion for life and all its beautiful inhabitants.

Though he graduated from Purdue University with a library science degree, Van worked mostly in the health care field, starting in the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Van lived in San Francisco before moving back to Lafayette.

Van was predeceased by his parents, Betty and Ray Anderson; his two brothers, Lee and Paul Anderson; and his brother-in-law, Brett Eberle. Van is survived by his sister, Jane Anderson Eberle, of South Portland, Maine; Lee's wife, Vivian Jordan, of Coral Gables, Florida; and his dear niece, nephews, great-niece and great-nephews, and cousins.

Van's family and friends will always remember him sitting back at a gathering, surveying the scene with peace, satisfaction, and happiness, saying "Well, isn't this nice!"