Bruce Anderson, Born August 7, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska; died February 16, 2020 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Bruce was a late in life child to Harriet and Squire. He liked to say that he was raised as a “pheasant under glass”. Both parents, and his sister Barbara, doted on Bruce. Barbara and her husband Steve would play a game with Bruce where they would list a latitude and longitude, and Bruce was always able to name whatever country, island or ocean was at that spot on the globe.
Bruce and Betty met when Southeast High School opened in 1956. Bruce impressed Betty with his ability to play “The Star Spangled Banner” on his teeth. Was there any doubt they’d end up together after Betty’s braces were removed?
Bruce received his BA in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1963. Being in Boston and attending MIT was the highlight of his youth. As a graduation gift for Bruce and a “We made it and he’s coming home to work!” for his dad, the two of them headed off on a Grand Tour of Europe and Greece in 1963.
The Elks Lodge, dedicated in 1967, was one of the first projects Bruce helped supervise. Other notable projects were UNL Kimball Recital Hall, the “O” Street Skywalk, UNL Manter Hall, The LPS Retired Teacher’s Fountain, UNL College of Dentistry, Wesleyan University O’Donnell Auditorium, Wesleyan University Olin Hall of Science, and many other projects over his long career.
Bruce and Betty were married in June of 1964. They’ve celebrated over 55 years together. Both Melissa and Rex Anderson have followed Bruce into the construction industry. They represent the fourth generation of Anderson builders. His daughter Sarah, on the other hand, chose to dedicate her work life to helping troubled teens.
In 1970 Bruce became a Registered Architect in the State of Nebraska. Later in life he received a Masters of Education from UNL.
Bruce had a lifelong love of teaching and all things learning. He taught “Estimating Construction Costs” as an Adjunct in Construction Management, College of Engineering and Technology. He developed and patented a computer algorithm to estimate probable construction costs. Bruce named the algorithm “All in a Morning’s Work”.
Bruce served on the Board of the Associated General Contractors NE Building Chapter for many years and as President in 1986. He enjoyed participating in both the Crucibles and Candlelight dinner discussion clubs as well as the Friday lunch group, The One Eared Elephants.
Symphonic music was a passion leading him to serve on Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra Board some 14 years. He was President of the Board 1985-1987.
Predeceased by his father M.W. (Squire) Anderson, his mother Harriet Sutherland Anderson and his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Steve McKenzie.
Survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Lou Frazer Anderson and his children: Melissa Anderson, Rex (Erin) Anderson and Sarah (John) Gilbert. Grandchildren: Levi Gilbert, Kenzie Gilbert and Anthony Harris. Great Grandson, Benson Gilbert.
Bruce and Betty are grateful for their loving family— aunts, uncles and cousins as well as their many long time friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 21st at 11:00 a.m at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive (SW corner of 40th & Yankee Hill Road).
Visitation with family present will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.
Memorials to Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra or Donor’s Choice.