Ramona Andersen

Ramona M. Andersen was born on November 23, 1931 near Greenfield, Iowa. She passed away at Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn, Iowa on Sunday, February 26, 2023. At the age of 91 years, Ramona out-lived many.

Ramona Mae, daughter of Ole and Alma (Andersen) Bladt, grew up southeast of Elk Horn. She went to work after finishing the 8th grade. She always told her children they were blessed to ride a bus to school; all she had was her feet and sometimes a horse. Her mother, Alma, died in 1948 when Ramona was 16 years old, and that started her working days.

On April 10, 1949, Ramona was united in marriage with Earl Delbert Andersen in Atlantic. They spent their first few years in California as Delbert served in the armed services during the Korean War. In 1952 DeEtta was born and loved by all their beloved Army friends. In 1954 they returned to Iowa and began farming the family farm just west of the Kimballton Creamery. The bank would not loan them the money to get started, so Uncle Earl loaned them $5,000 dollars at 4% interest. With that money they were able to purchase a new 50 John Deere tractor, 5 sows, a harrow, cultivator, disc, corn planter and some tools, and got ready to work hard! Ramona worked hard alongside Delbert and loved it.

In May of 1954 their son Dwight was born and in 1959 their daughter Carla was born. Ramona's love was given to her husband, children, grandchildren and the family farm. As the farming operation grew, and Delbert was able to hire extra help, Ramona's gift of hospitality to all the extra hands grew. She always had a cup of coffee and sweets to share with all. She recovered beautiful furniture she sometimes pulled out of the dump, bringing new life to the wooden pieces. She also raised Norwegian Elk Hounds and Pug dogs for extra money. She managed the Hilltop Restaurant in Kimballton and Ramona's Train Depot in Elk Horn for a few years, but her favorite place was her home. She helped restore and decorate 3 older houses in Elk Horn. For many years after the farm was sold, she worked at Ohde Funeral Home in Kimballton. She was the well dressed, kind, beautiful lady who welcomed and comforted many people. Her green thumb and pink petunias were envied by many. When young, her dream was to become a hairstylist or nurse. You might think that she gave up those dreams for the farm, but you would be wrong. She did all of the "home" nursing before we went to the doctor and most of the extended family received really good haircuts from her, and the family hasn't been able to remember how many ears she pierced! She gave her heart to Jesus in 1974, and never stopped asking questions or trying to learn more about God and life.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; husband E. Delbert Andersen in 2015; son Dwight Andersen in 2019; siblings: Don Bladt, Bob Bladt and Jean Myers.

She is survived by her daughters DeEtta Goettel and Carla Hoegh, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

The family suggests memorial donations in Ramona's honor go to the Elk Horn Lutheran Church or Hospice.

Ramona's family would like to thank the Salem Lutheran Homes and hospice for helping her through her final difficult days. Thanks also to all of her special friends who visited her and brought cookies, and to those who prayed her way into heaven.

The family will have a graveside memorial service on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church Cemetery, Elk Horn, Iowa followed by coffee (of course!).