Obituary of Steven Andersen

Steven Robert Andersen, the son of Carlton and Elaine (Balmer) Andersen, was born on January 29, 1948 in Estherville, IA. During his childhood, as his father was starting his teaching career, the family lived in several Iowa communities, including Estherville, Cedar Falls, Urbandale, Burlington, and Moulton. They eventually settled in Knoxville, Iowa where Steve graduated from high school. On April 3, 1971 he was united in marriage to Joanne Burkard in Knoxville, IA. They were blessed with four children. Steve was a member of the Iowa Air National Guard from 1966-1972. He worked for the State of Iowa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a land surveyor. From 1978-1983 he farmed in Nobles County, MN. Steve was forced to retire on disability in 1988 due to Machado-Joseph disease, which deteriorated his coordination and balance. Never one to dwell on the negative, Steve thoroughly enjoyed educating people about his disease. He got a kick out of “stumping the interns” each time he was in a teaching hospital. Armed with determination and a love for traveling, he was able to participate in RAGBRAI in both 1986 and 1988, and a Trans-America Bicycle Trek in 1989. As an adult, Steve had the privilege of discovering a “new family” as he became acquainted with his half- sister and brothers, and their extended families. He was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, the Onyx Lodge Masons, and had been on the HMS Parent Advisory Board. He passed away at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center on August 18, 2007 at the age of 59. He was a Lion’s cornea donor. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joanne; their children: Athena (Wade) Kellenberger of Sioux Falls, SD, Peter (Ornuma) Andersen of Mukilteo, WA, Pamela Andersen of Sioux Falls, SD, and April Andersen of Lincoln, NE; three grandchildren, Brady, Courtney and Brooklyn; brothers Arthur (Bonnie) Andersen and Brian Andersen; sisters: Gail (John) Young, Paula (Mike) Paul, Gwen Andersen, Eva (Josh) McAlister; his half-siblings: Peggy, Larry, David and Dennis; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Bill and Evelyn Burkard, sister-in-law Lea Haselrick and brother-in-law Leonard Burkard. A Life Remembered… Steven Andersen Born – January 29, 1948 Died – August 18, 2007 Age – 59 years 6 months 19 days Funeral Service St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church – Sanborn, IA 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Officiating – Fr. Tim Hogan Organist – Burneil Johnson Congregational Singing “Amazing Grace” “Prayer of St. Francis” “Bread, Blessed and Broken” “Whatsoever You Do” Pallbearers Daniel Burkard Christopher Burkard Jim Morfitt Mike Wolters Steve Buren Eric Rozeboom Ushers Ernie Vander Heiden Norbert Klein Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa