Charles Andersen

Funeral Service

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM

Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, Iowa

Officiating

Reverend Keith Menter

Congregational Hymns

“Victory In Jesus”   “The Old Rugged Cross”

Nancy Watson, Pianist

Vocal Selections

“When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”, Matt Andersen, Vocalist

“The Lord’s Prayer”, Reverend Keith Menter, Vocalist

 Casket Bearers

Zachary Garrett     John Lopez     Jeff Hoegh

Paul Garrett     Ethan Lopez     Katie Lopez

Honorary Casket Bearers

Charlie’s Great-grandchildren

Interment

Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery, Elk Horn, Iowa

Military Honors

American Legion Post 322     U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard

Charles Keith, son of Hans and Sylvia (Nelson) Andersen, was born on December 15, 1933, in Sharon Township, near Kimballton, Iowa. Charlie was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church and attended kindergarten at Sharon #2. The family then moved southeast of Elk Horn and he attended country school at Oakfield #4. In 1952, Charlie graduated from Elk Horn High School.

   From November of 1953 to November of 1955, Charles served with the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and worked as an aviation mechanic.

   For 20 years, Charlie was united in marriage with Marilyn Andersen. Three children were born to this union. The family first made their home in Oskaloosa where Charlie worked for Armour’s. In 1961, he purchased a farm near Elk Horn. For more than 50 years, he raised Arabian horses and was one of the founders of the National Arabian Horse Association. Charlie raised the Canadian National Champion, U.S. and 8 U.S. National Top Tens, as well as, “Thunder” a mascot for the Denver Broncos. He did numerous benefit auctions and raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.

   Charlie was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and the American Legion. His interest in flying was enhanced as a pilot in the service, and he enjoyed aviation history and museums.  He loved to travel, but his most memorable excursions were with his beloved horse, Jack.  They rode through many a mountain, including Mexico and across the Rio Grande river. He enjoyed restoring buggies and being a host at his fishing ponds. Above all, Charlie loved life and sharing his experience with others.

   On Friday, April 19, 2019, Charlie passed away at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 85 years. He worked hard to stay healthy and was able to reside at home until the day he passed.

   Charlie is survived by three children: Angie Garrett and husband Paul of Magnolia, Texas; Karla Andersen of Audubon; and Matt Andersen and wife Sandy of Audubon; six grandchildren: Katie (John) Lopez, Zach Garrett, Jeff (Charlene) Hoegh, Joe Thielen, Tricia (Michael) Stewart and Jesse Thielen; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers Paul Andersen of Montgomery, Texas and Dennis Andersen of Atlanta, Georgia; his children’s mother Marilyn Bennett of Atlantic; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers Don and David Andersen.