08/18/2007
Steven Robert Andersen, the son of Carlton and Elaine (Balmer) Andersen, was
born on Jan. 29, 1948, in Estherville. 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,
where Steve graduated from high school.
On April 3, 1971, he was united in marriage
to Joanne Burkard in Knoxville. They were blessed with four children. Steve was
a member of the Iowa Air National Guard from 1966-to 1972. He worked for the State
of Iowa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a land surveyor.
From 1978 -to 1983
he farmed in Nobles County, Minn. 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 Sanfor Sheldon Medical Center on Aug. 18,
2007 at the age of 59. He was Lion’s cornea donor.
Left to cherish his memory
is his wife, Joanne; their children: Athena (Wade) Kellenberger of Sioux Falls,
S.D., Peter (Ornuma) Andersen of Mukilteo, Wash., Pamela Andersen of Sioux Falls,
S.D., and April Andersen of Lincoln, Neb.; three grandchildren, Brady, Courtney
and Brooklyn; 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.
The Knoxville
Journal-Express: Funeral Services were held at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Sanborn
on Tuesday, Aug. 21, with Fr. 3 Tim Hogan officiating. Interment was in the Roseland
Cemetery in Sanborn.