Funeral leaflet (photos) (veteran)

Robert Lee Andersen, 93, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2019, at VA Health Care Center in Des Moines.

Robert was born October 9, 1925, in Oakfield Township, Audobon County, IA to Hans and Emma (Peterson) Andersen. He was baptized February 7, 1926 at St. John’s Lutheran Church west of Exira. Bob graduated from Exira High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Navy on October 2, 1943. While in the Navy Reserve, Bob attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. He served during WWII and was ranked Yeoman 3-Class before his honorable discharge on June 8, 1946. Following the war, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA where he attained his Bachelors of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Robert was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 350 in Brayton, IA and the VFW #9127 in Beaverdale, IA.

Robert was united in marriage to Dolores Bethine Madsen on May 23, 1952 in Exira, Iowa. She passed away from leukemia in June of 1993. Robert was remarried to Betty Wauneta Putzier on November 23, 1997 in Des Moines. Robert worked for John Deere Des Moines Works for many years as a design engineer, retiring on October 29, 1982.

Robert had many interests. He was involved in many groups and organizations. Some of the many clubs being: The Iowa Engineering Society, NRA, Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15, Iowa Wildlife Federation, SASS, NCOWS, Goddard Cowboys, Des Moines Rifle and Revolver Club, United States LST Association, Des Moines Associates American Scandinavian Foundation and the Izaak Walton League. He was a past president of the Iowa Sportsman’s Association and a volunteer lobbyist at the Iowa State Legislature for many years regarding conservation issues. Bob was involved in the Iowa Games for several years, competing in riflery and was a participant on the Iowa Rifle team at Camp Perry in Ohio many times. He also found time with all his activities to be a firearm safety instructor.

Robert is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ankeny; daughter, Judith Andersen (husband Romualdas Mickvicius) of Baxter, MN; daughter-in-law, Jane Andersen of Ankeny; grandchildren: Kristina Marie (William) Cool (daughter, Abigail), Nicholas James Andersen (daughter, Isabella), Jason Grant (Erin) Andersen (children: Josiah, Terra, Simon, Molly, Elias, Luke, Caleb and Jonah) and Emily Rose (Benton) Nissen (daughter, Keira); brother, Harvey Andersen of Exira, sister, Bertha (Darrell) Schroeter of Exira; stepsons; Kurt, Kirby, Kevin and Kyle Putzier; stepdaughter, Debra Hibbard; and their families.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kathryn and Dorothy; brothers, Dennis and Richard; wife, Dolores and son, Kenneth.

Father, now I seek repose

Jeg er traet og gar til ro

—Luise Hensel, 1817

Please join us for lunch and a time of fellowship at the church immediately following the service—the family of Robert Andersen.

In his loving memory Robert Lee Andersen

Born: October 9, 1925 ~ Died: January 31, 2019

Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2018 Staves United Methodist Church. Officiating: Rev. Tim Walker. Musicians: Jenny Gervais, Pianist; Brian McNamer, Vocalist. Special Music: “Our Father has Light in His Window”; “My Heart is Longing”; “Who is this Host, Arrayed in White”

Pallbearers: Nicholas Andersen, Jason Andersen, Thomas Hansen, Ron Jespersen, Allan Nissen, Kirby Putzier, Romualdas Mickevicius, Kurt Putzier

Military Honors: Brayton American Legion, United States Navy

Interment: 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 St. John’s Cemetery, Exira, Iowa. Officiating: Pastor Steven Frock

~~~ funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library ~~~

FindaGrave # 106937276