Delbert Andersen

Earl Delbert, son of Theodore and Pearl (Guttenfelder) Andersen was born February 19, 1929 in Atlantic, Cass County, IA. He grew up in Anita, and graduated from Anita High School in 1946. Delbert went to Commercial Extension College for 2 years. After college he started working as a foreman at Swift & Company until he served in the Army. On April 10, 1949 Delbert was united in marriage with Ramona (Bladt) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Three children were born to this union, DeEtta, Dwight and Carla Jo. Delbert was drafted to the United States Army in 1952 during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Paso Robles, CA and served as a cook. He served the remainder of his military time in Ft. Lewis, WA where he was honorably discharged in 1954. They moved to the Ole Olsen farm southwest of Kimballton and later purchased the farm. Delbert farmed and helped form Green Acres Grazing Association in 1961 north of Kimballton. They had a cow/calf operation. He loved his occupation as a farmer. After Delbert retired he helped out at Pellets for a few years. He enjoyed playing cards and travelling, as well as dancing, telling jokes, camping, hunting and going to the casino once in a while. In his later years, he liked to watch the different kinds of birds that would visit him in the mornings. Delbert was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and the Cemetery Board, as well as, AmVets Post 51 and American Legion Post 322. Delbert's health started to decline the last few years. On Saturday, August 29, 2015, Delbert died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, due to congestive heart failure. He was 86 years, 6 months and 10 days of age. Preceding him in death are his parents; brother Bernard Andersen and two brothers in infancy. Delbert is survived by his wife Ramona Andersen of 66 years. She was often told by Delbert that "she was the best thing that ever happened to him". Delbert is also survived by his children: DeEtta (Gary) Goettel of Pueblo West, CO; Dwight Andersen of Marshall, MO; and Carla Jo (Glen) Hoegh of Kimballton; 7 grandchildren: Lessa (Ryan) Trosper of La Junta, CO; Mindy (Pat) Zahner of Marshall, MO; Adam (Devon) Andersen of Columbia, MO; Chelsey Andersen of Marshall, MO; Brandy (Alan) Bowling of Moneta, VA; Josh (Misty) Hemminger of Atlantic; and KiTon (Keith) Gares of Bellevue, NE; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; brother Merlyn (Marlene) Andersen of Delaware, IA; sister-in-law Joan Andersen of Atlantic, IA; other family and friends.