Charles C. Anderson

Dr. Charles Anderson, age 82, a former professor at Ottawa University and minister, died Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Anderson dedicated his life to the study, teaching and sharing of the gospel message in Ottawa and, in retirement, in Dallas through his activities at church. He was a 35 year religion professor and department chair at Ottawa University. He was born on January 2, 1931 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to George and Myrtle (Johnson) Anderson. He grew up in the Minneapolis area. On December 27, 1958 Charles married Dorothy G. Sjolander in Minneapolis. In 1961 they moved to Ottawa. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2001. Dr. Anderson devoted his life to his passion for the Christian gospel message. He received his B.A. from Bethel College, his Bachelor of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago. He was the author of three books: Critical Quests of Jesus; The Historical Jesus: A Continuing Quest and The Historical Jesus: Quests and Questions. He was named a Sybil Martin Distinguished Professor at Ottawa University. His dedication to the gospel was fulfilled through his teaching and leadership roles at Ottawa University and interim pastorates in the Eastern Kansas area, the longest and most recent one having been Tauy Baptist Church in Ottawa. He had been a Board Member for the Franklin County United Way. He is survived by one sister, Merle Mattson. Other survivors include: three sons, Gunnar Sjolander and his wife Glenda of Lakeville, Minnesota; Curtis Anderson and his wife Katherine of Red Oak, Texas; and Jeremy Anderson and his wife Cathleen of Overland Park, Kansas; one daughter, Dolores Balda and her husband Ed of Topeka, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; a brother, Willis; a daughter, Renee Goar; and a granddaughter, Courtney Anderson. SERVICES: Funeral Service will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 11, 2013. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Dr. Anderson at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 P.M. Sunday, where the family will meet with friends from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday. CEMETERY: Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or American Bible Society c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.