Derald "Bucky" Lee Andersen, age 69, of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at his home.
Derald was born in Atlantic, Iowa, on August 4, 1954, to Leonard and Marilyn Andersen. Bucky was raised in Atlantic and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1972. He was then married and, to this union, had 3 children. Bucky and Brenda then got together; they have had a relationship for many years. As a result, his family grew and he gained more step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He worked at Oakland Beef before starting his career with the Atlantic Street Department. He started out as a street department employee working his way up before eventually being promoted to Street Superintendent. Bucky retired at the age of 65, to start a new chapter with Brenda and all the family to enjoy his retirement.
Derald enjoyed getting together with friends for drinks down at the Elbow Room or Desperados. He loved to listen to music and dance with his grandkids. Bucky enjoyed spending time with his family, but yet he would also get annoyed from time to time spending time with his family! He also enjoyed morel mushroom hunting. When Derald was with Brenda, they enjoyed traveling to various states, camping, playing cards, and hosting family gatherings together. He lived his life to the fullest. In the later moments of his life, family members would say that he was beginning to be more goofy than he was before.
Derald is survived by his children Brian (Megan), Daniel, and Sarah (Isaac). Brother Larry and his son; Spouse Brenda and her children Bradley (Carley), and Jennifer. Together they had 13 grandkids, with another on the way; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Derald was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Marilyn, Uncle Norman, step-son Brian Eric; step-grand daughter Payton Rose; his beloved pets, and many close friends.
Open visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA. Private burial will be held at Atlantic Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Derald. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is handling the arrangements.