In Memory: Dr. Ralph Anderson (PU DVM ’76)

May 14, 2021

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus Ralph R. “Doc” Anderson of Logansport, Ind. The beloved veterinarian and former Cass County commissioner died unexpectedly Saturday, May 8, at Logansport Memorial Hospital.  He was 69.

A Lafayette, Ind. native, Dr. Anderson followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle, father, and older brother as he pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning his DVM degree at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976.  After graduation, Dr. Anderson was hired by a veterinary practice in Ohio.

In 1980, he opened his own practice, the Animal Hospital of Logansport, with a focus on small animals and horses.  As the business grew, Dr. Anderson found he no longer had time to go out on field calls and gave up the equine component of his practice.  He was assisted by his wife, Connie, who worked with him in the practice every day.

Known as a local leader with a huge heart for Cass County, Dr. Anderson is remembered as someone who touched the lives of both two-legged and four-legged friends during his career, making people smile through his work in Civic Players of Logansport and investing 28 years of public service as a township trustee, a county councilman, and a commissioner.  A member of the Cass County Republicans, Dr. Anderson also served as a political campaign manager for many candidates.  He particularly enjoyed paying tribute to veterans during the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, giving many patriotic speeches.

In commemorating Logansport’s 175th Anniversary, Dr. Anderson produced the film, “The Birth of a City” in conjunction with the Cass County Historical Society – another organization that he supported. Additionally, during Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, Dr. Anderson served as a torchbearer.

A Boy Scout leader and avid reader, Dr. Anderson is remembered most of all as one who loved spending time with his family. Dr. Anderson was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello.

A funeral service celebrating Dr. Anderson’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at the Fisher Funeral Chapel in Logansport.  Friends will be received prior to the service from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Click here to view a complete obituary, with information about ways to make memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.  Additionally, memories, photos, and condolences may be shared on the tribute wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation

A Purdue University contraceptive vaccine seeks to address animal overpopulation by markedly reducing fertility in feral horses, deer, swine and other animals. Dr. Harm HogenEsch, distinguished professor of immunopathology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Raluca Ostafe, director of Purdue University’s Molecular Evolution Protein Engineering and Production Facility, both members of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, have designed the vaccine based on the IZUMO1 mammalian sperm protein. It induces a robust and long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week Dr. Kristy Faulkner, a specialty intern in neurology, is being appreciated for supporting students’ morale and being a “baker extraordinaire,” taking extra steps in sharing her beautifully decorated cupcakes with the Small Animal Internal Medicine team.

Coppoc One Health Lecture Brings Co-leader of Innovative Dog Aging Project to PVM

“One Health at Home: Dogs as Sentinels of Environmental Exposure” is the title of the 2026 Coppoc One Health Lecture presented by Dr. Audrey Ruple, co-principal investigator for the largest animal-health research initiative to date – the Dog Aging Project.  Dr. Ruple, the Dorothy A. and Richard G. Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, gave her talk February 26 in Lynn 1136. The lecture was free and open to the public.

Three More Years: How Specialized Care Helped Extend One Dog’s Life

When Ella, a pittie beagle mix, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 11, Jennifer Turner knew she wanted to make every decision count. What she did not yet know was that a cross country drive to Purdue University would give her three more years with the dog she described as her constant companion.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we feel grateful for Anita Wolf, RVT, who is a veterinary technician in Intermediate Care in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital facility.

In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)

The Purdue Veterinary community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.

Upcoming PVM Veterinary Nursing Symposium Features Hands-On Learning

Veterinary professionals in the field of veterinary nursing have a special opportunity to expand their expertise and earn continuing education (CE) at Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium. The one day continuing education program will be held at Lynn Hall on the Purdue campus March 23, 2025.

Zebra Foal Gets Lifesaving Help at Purdue University Equine Hospital

It’s not surprising to see a foal receiving emergency care at the Purdue University Equine Hospital during foaling season. The hospital’s team of expert clinicians and veterinary nurses are used to coming to the rescue when foals need special help to survive. But it was a surprise to see a foal named Marty arrive at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in February, because Marty is a zebra, and the hospital is in Indiana.