Rich Anderson left an impression with those he came in contact with, whether he was helping revive a failing Columbus manufacturer or embracing volunteer service to his community. The 65-year-old Anderson, who headed the livestock equipment division of Behlen Mfg. Co. before leaving the manufacturer after more than three decades to pursue a dream of owning his own small company, died Monday morning at Columbus Community Hospital.

[McKown Funeral Home obituary]

Richard E. Anderson, age 65, of Columbus died Monday, December 13, 2010 at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Richard E. Anderson was born April 24, 1945 in St. Edward, Nebraska to Axel and Mary (Carter) Anderson. He graduated from St. Edward High School in 1963. Rich then graduated from Kearney State College. He married Robin McGee on June 11, 1966 in Golden, Colorado. They lived in Columbus before moving to Shenandoah, Iowa. In 1980 they returned to Columbus.

Rich worked at Behlen Mfg. Co. from 1963 to 1997 in various positions, including: purchasing manager; director of manufacturing of the Farmaster Division of Wickes Corp.; plant engineering manager, vice president and general manager of the Livestock Equipment Group; board of directors; president and CEO of Behlen Engineered Plastics.
He was the owner and president of Shell Valley Companies Inc. from 1997 to 2009. He purchased Midstates Classic Cars & Parts of Hooper in 1999. He was director of materials management at Columbus Community Hospital from January 2009 until his death.

His activities and memberships, past and current included: St. Bonaventure Catholic Church parish council director, stewardship committee chairman, finance committee chairman, men's choir, religious education sponsor, CEC, lector, solicitation dinner co-chairman; Scotus Central Catholic High School Gala fundraiser auction committee; Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce board president (two terms), treasurer, vice president, Commodores, Admirals, many committees; Columbus Area United Way board of directors, drive chairman, Pacesetter chairman, fund distribution co-chairman; Platte County Visitors Bureau board of directors; Columbus Community Hospital board of directors; Columbus Volunteer Center advisory committee; Knights of Columbus member; Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry member; Central Community College foundation board, board of governors, business administration advisory board; Columbus Economic Development Council member; Northeast Nebraska Economic Council loan review board; Greater Nebraska Workforce Investment Board; Nebraska Workforce Development Task Force; Columbus Teammates of Nebraska advisory board; Columbus High School Building Linkages advisory committee; Columbus United Federal Credit Union director; Nebraska Diplomats (Nebraska Department of Economic Development) member; NMEP (Nebraska Manufacturing Focus Group) member; American Management Association member; SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) member; SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Board director; FIEI (Farm Industrial Equipment Institute) director; Shenandoah, Iowa, United Way director; Shenandoah, Iowa, Community Development Group director; National Roto Mold Association director; GOTRA (Good Old Time Racing Association) member.

Honors Mr. Anderson received included: Columbus Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award, 2010; Columbus Archway Award; Charles Farnam Volunteer of the Year Award; Columbus Days King Ferdinand; Columbus Power & Progress Small Business of the Year, 1999; and Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Nebraska (by the U.S. Small Business Administration), 2001.

Memorial are directed to St. Bonaventure Church, Scotus High School and Allie's Educational Fund.