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BORN
1916
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Rupert Anderson Obituary
Des Moines
Andy Anderson was born on July 11, 1916 to Edward and Hilda Anderson in Carney, Iowa where his father was a coal miner. He died on July 2, 2014. Andy graduated from Slater High School and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. He was office manager of Zoller Brewing Company before joining the Navy in 1943. Upon returning to Des Moines from San Diego where he was stationed in WWII, he joined Anderson Erickson Dairy and was office manager until his retirement.
Andy married Harriet Johnson in 1937 and they celebrated their 76th anniversary in May. He is survived by his wife Harriet, their daughter Corinne Whitlatch, grandson Kirk Whitlatch and spouse Kimberly, granddaughter Amy Gillum and spouse Charles, great grandchildren Haley and Leah Whitlatch and Hunter and Rose Gillum, sister in law Ellen Miles, second cousin Marcus Anderson, and nieces and nephews.
Andy and Harriet raised and showed boxer dogs and were active in the local and national Boxer Club and American Kennel Club. They opened Vista Kennels in 1950 under Harriet's management. The kennel has operated continuously with management shifting to their grandson. Andy was a self-taught handyman; he built the original kennel from WWII wooden ammunition boxes.
He was on the West Independent school board and was involved with the consolidation that created Southeast Polk School District. A master gardener, he tended his own vegetable and flower gardens until he was 94 years old. Andy was active with The Men's Garden Club and four of his photos were selected for Men's Garden Club of America calendars. He was also a gifted wood carver of boxers and cows. Since his boyhood, Andy was an avid hunter and fisherman until his eyesight failed. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Sunday, July 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Euclid. Private family burial will occur Monday at Pine Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rupert Anderson
July 15, 2014
We are all thinking of you and hold you in our hearts.
Jim, Helen & Carol Blaney
Jim, Helen & Carol Blaney
July 15, 2014
We all are thinking of you and hold you in our hearts.
Donna Blaney Johnson
July 14, 2014
Corinne and Harriet, I am so sorry for your loss. I think of Andy smiling and friendly as I grew up as your neighbor. You and your family are in my heart and mind as you grieve and remember his life and all it means to you. Donna Blaney Johnson
Ruth Blaney
July 13, 2014
My sincere condolences. I remember Andy well, and am so sorry to hear of his loss.
July 10, 2014
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Andy. We send our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Suzanne, Cheri, and Jenny Davidson.
July 10, 2014
Keeping you in my thoughts in these hardest of times. Much love your way, Julianna
July 9, 2014
Dear Corinne,
My prayers are with you and your mom as she recovers and as your family tries to cope with a truly senseless tragedy. I regret that I will be out of town this week end and unable to attend your dad's visitation and funeral. May you feel the love of friends and the arms of God surrounding and supporting you during this difficult time. Blessings, Jennie Johnson Allbee
Daniel M. Zaborowski
July 8, 2014
Mr. Anderson,
You were a great American. So sad for this family's loss.
Donna Link
July 8, 2014
So sorry for your loss. What a sad story . Corinne, I worked for your dad years ago at AE. You worked at the dairy when I did. Don't know if you remember me, Donna Oatley Purdy Link. What a great long life your mom and dad enjoyed. Something to celebrate.
Linnet Wainwright
July 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers and with all of you during this difficult time!!! May the memories you have get you thru this trying times. God Bless all of you!!
Denise Carroll
July 7, 2014
My very first job was working at the kennels. I was just 16. Andy had a bet with me that I couldn't get one of their boxers named Twister obedience trained. I think it was $50 I won. I learned so much from both Harriet and Andy.
APRIL BLONG
July 7, 2014
MY THOUGHTS AND PARAYERS ARE WITH YOU
July 7, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
July 7, 2014
Please accept my condolences. Rely on God Almighty through this time for he is not far from you.
Acts 17:27
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Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
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