Nov. 7, 1934 – July 9, 2010

Dr. Richard T. "Dick" Anderson of Pewaukee passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 9, 2010, at the Boston Medical Center while traveling.

He was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 7, 1934, the son of the late Carl Otto and Stella Alvina (nee Nessman) Anderson. He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Stout and received his EDD from Marquette University. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force. As former Waukesha County Technical College president, Dick had played an integral role in the evolution of Waukesha County Technical College from a city vocational school to a countywide college with a national reputation for innovative programs and quality.

Originally hired as a woodworking teacher in 1957, Dick served in almost every capacity at the college: guidance counselor, coach, curriculum coordinator, supervisor of instruction, assistant director and president. During his 29 years of leadership, the college underwent tremendous growth in enrollments and programs. Rather than placing emphasis on the quantity of programs, Dick’s philosophy was to follow sograms to reflect workplace needs. During Anderson’s presidency, one of the several building projects was the Workforce Development Center.

He provided the vision and leadership to challenge the status quo in the educational system. The programs and services at the college, which have stemmed from Dr. Anderson’s emphasis on a student-centered learning environment, have helped WCTC become the leader in work force development for Waukesha County and a nationally known innovator in education.

A distinguished recipient of numerous awards and accolades over his career, Dr. Anderson had also been lifetime member of the World Future Society; a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, receiving the George F. Hixson Fellow Award; and had also received the Governor’s Diamond Award for Exceptional Programs that Break the Glass Ceiling. He was also proud to have received the Educator Alumnus of the Year Award from Marquette University.

In addition, Dick was active in the Kiwanis Early Risers of Waukesha and had served as district governor in 2007-08 of the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan District. He also supported the Potawatami Area Boy Scouts, the Haiti Nursing School at Caprofors in Maribeleis, Haiti, and had served in numerous chairman capacities for Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Dick was also a three-term president for the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra and a longtime member of the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ in Waukesha, serving on various councils and committees.

Dick will be fondly remembered by his children, Richard "Rick" (Paula) Anderson of Garland, Texas, Sandy (Steve) Anderson-Payne of Waukesha and Robert (Denise) Anderson of Oconomowoc, and his stepsons, Glenn (Patty) Laird, Robert (Franchesca) Laird, Bill Laird, John Laird and Donn (Pam) Laird. He will also be remembered for his involvement with and funloving attention to his grandchildren, Andy, Tom, Dan, Chris, Kenzie and Carolyn. He is further survived by a brother, Donald (Nancy) Anderson of Brookfield; sister-in-law, Margie Anderson of Sussex; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richard was a very devoted husband, father and grandpa. He was proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending individual time traveling with each child to a destination of their choice from Alaska to Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Beatrice, in 1999; his second wife, Elaine, in 2010; and his brother, David.

Visitation for Dr. Anderson will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at Waukesha County Technical College, Richard T. Anderson Education Center Entrance, 800 Main St., Pewaukee. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. until the noon funeral service Friday, July 16, at the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. James Gorman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the WCTC Foundation, c/o Dr. Richard T. Anderson, 800 Main St., Pewaukee, WI 53072; the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ; or to the Haiti School Fund, c/o E&R United Church of Christ at the above address.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.