Claude Andersen

Claude Lewis Andersen, 77, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 16, at the Omaha VA Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.


Claude was born May 28, 1933, the son of Harry and Edith (Bell) Andersen in Elk Horn, Iowa. He attended Elk Horn community schools and graduated high school in 1951. Claude was united in marriage to Norma Jean Andersen on February 15, 1953, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa. On May 5, 1953, he was inducted into the Untied States Army and served in the Korean War until February 18, 1955. Upon his return from the service, Claude and Norma moved to the Atlantic area and began farming.


Claude worked as a farmer most of his life. During his retirement he drove a school bus for the Atlantic Community Schools. He enjoyed the children and driving the school bus. Claude was a member of the Iowa Hereford Association serving as president. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church since 1950. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed reading, sports and his family.


He is survived by his wife Norma of Atlantic, Iowa; his son, Rick (Laurie) Andersen of McMinnville, OR, his brothers and sisters, Howard (Carol) Andersen of Atlantic, Ralph Andersen of Littleton, CO, Ethel (Robert) Euken of Cumberland, Irma Miller of Council Bluffs, his grandsons, Anthony Alan Andersen of Portland, OR, Tyler Edward Andersen of Richmond, KY, Erik Merle Andersen of Eugene, OR, Alex Tayler Andersen of McMinnville, OR; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edith Andersen; his mother and father-in-law, Martin and Bena Andersen; and his nephew, Steve Miller.


A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2010, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic. There will be no scheduled visitation but the family extends an invitation for fellowship and refreshments at the church following the memorial service. The committal service will be private.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.