Donald Andersen

Donald D. Andersen, 86, of Atlantic, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Donald Dean Andersen was born on March 9, 1930, in Anita, Iowa the son of Jess and Emma (Strickland) Andersen. Don worked on the family farm and at the gas station in Atlantic. While working at the gas station he met his future wife, Lois F. Grulke. The couple married on June 17, 1951, in Atlantic. On October 6, 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army, earning the rank of Sergeant of the Motor Pool. He worked on everything from jeeps to Sherman tanks.

In 1964, he began working at Deter Motor Company, and worked on countless vehicles as a GM Certified Mechanic for 28 years. After his retirement from turning wrenches he continued to deliver vehicles and mowed the grass, not officially retiring from Deter’s until 2014. Over the years he gained the trust and respect of his customers so much that they often stopped at his house.

Don was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church. He and Lois enjoyed dancing at Elks, playing cards with friends, and neighborhood potlucks. Don was always on the go whether it was getting in the car to go for a drive, often to visit relatives, or getting together with the coffee group at Family Table, there was no keeping him at home, sometimes to Lois’ dislike. His time at home was spent working in the garden and perfecting his homemade wine. Some would say Don had a dry sense of humor, and this is what made him such a likeable guy. Time with family was very important and he looked forward to the annual Andersen reunion.

Donald is survived by his sons, Dean (Tammy) Andersen of Gretna, NE, Darin (Lori) Andersen of Council Bluffs, IA, and Damon (Paula) Andersen of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Garrett Andersen, Grace Andersen and Asher Andersen; step-grandson, Terence (Katie) Herrick; step-great-grandchildren, Reagan, Liam and Kaeden; sister, Nedra Bergman; and brothers, Lyle Andersen and Marlin Andersen

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Emma Andersen; wife, Lois; granddaughter, Kerstin Joy Andersen; and brothers, Dale Andersen and Norman Andersen.

Open visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 21st and from 10:00 a.m. until time of family visitation on Sunday, January 22nd. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2017, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic, with Reverend Rachelle McCalla officiating.

Interment, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Don's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

In Remembrance of

Donald D. Andersen

BORN
March 9, 1930 ~ January 16, 2017

ENTERED INTO REST
January 16, 2017 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the Age of
86 years 10 months and 7 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, January 23, 2017, Ten-thirty A.M.
First United Presbyterian Church, Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Rachelle McCalla

SCRIPTURE READINGS
II Corinthians 4:16-5:1
Job 19:25-27

MUSCIAN
Carolyn DeLay

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“On Eagles Wings”
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”

CASKET BEARERS
Garrett Andersen
Grace Andersen
Scott Andersen
Terence Herrick
Gale Rihner
Kevin Andersen

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Don Deter
Chuck Fooken
Gary Marcellus
Ken Polkingharn
Richard Krataska
Charles Hansen

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

MILITARY RITES
Atlantic Color Guard

LUNCHEON
Don’s family invites friends to join them in the
Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall for a lunch
immediately following the committal service.