Richard Allen Andersen

1928 - 2017

Graveside funeral services for Richard A. Andersen, 88, were conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Monday afternoon, May 15, 2017, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira. The honorary casket bearers were Travis Frederiksen, Denny Juhl, Bill Clark, Marvin Jorgensen, Mark Jorgensen, Ryan Steen, Tom Hansen and Randy Jespersen. The casket bearers were Andrew Smith, Anthony Smith, Brian Andersen, Christopher Andersen, Daniel Schrier, Darren Munch, Matt Traver, and Michael Clark.
Richard Allen Andersen, the son of Hans C. and Emma C. (Petersen) Andersen, was born May 17, 1928, at his parents' home in Oakfield Township, Audubon County, near Brayton, and died May 11, 2017, at the Exira Care Center at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 24 days.
Richard was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church west of Exira. He attended rural schools in Oakfield Township and graduated from the Exira High School with the Class of 1947. He then helped operate the family farm with his father. During the winters, Richard would move to Omaha, Neb., and work in the meat packing plants. He served in the National Guard for nine years and helped with the flood in Council Bluffs. Richard then farmed with Marvin Jorgensen west of Brayton.
In 1958, he was united in marriage to Carol (Swolley) Osborne. Five children were born to this union Rex, Ricky, Jim, Sally, and Richard D. Richard continued to farm growing row crops and raising livestock.
In 1975 he married Margaret (Swolley) Paulson and they blended their two families together adding Julie and Tammy. Richard continued to farm for Marvin until 1977 then farmed with John Thielen for several years. In the early 1980's Richard changed careers and was employed by Henningsen Construction laying asphalt for several years. Later he was employed by a contract company, which helped maintain the rest areas along Interstate 80 until he retired. During retirement he was the family handyman helping to keep everyone's home in tip-top shape. In September of 2016 he moved to the Exira Care Center in Exira.
Richard was a member of the Brayton Lutheran Church in Brayton. He enjoyed "tinkering" and always remained busy, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his son Ricky Lee "Pete" Andersen; his daughter Peggy Juhl; his daughter-in-law Dorci Andersen, his parents; an infant brother Dennis Andersen; his sister Kathryn and husband Gene Hansen; his brother-in-law Don Jespersen, his sisters-in-law Dolores Andersen and Carol Andersen; and Carol Jayne.
Survivors include his wife Margaret Andersen of Exira; his children Rex Andersen of Brayton, Jim Andersen and partner Bobbi of Exira, Sally Smith of Exira, Richard D. Andersen of Audubon, and Julie Paulson and Tammy Paulson and husband Bill Clark all of Exira; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brothers and sisters Bertha and husband Darrell Schroeter and Harvey Andersen all of Exira, Robert and wife Betty Andersen of Des Moines, and Dorothy Jespersen of Rogers, Ark.; his sisters-in-law Nancy and husband Tom Wills of Colorado, Donna Kline of Iowa City, Cathy Zimmerman of Columbus, Neb., and Mary and husband Glen Gingerich of Wellman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.