Dean Ray Andersen

Services for Dean Ray Andersen, 83, of Norwalk, Iowa, who passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, with family by his side, will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 30 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with visitation prior to services from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the funeral home. Dean was under hospice care through Suncrest at Westview Care Center in Indianola, Iowa.

Dean was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Clifford and Gladys Andersen on March 29, 1942. He was the oldest with his twin sister DeAnne soon following that day. Dean graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1960. He worked at the family business Andersen Grocery until it closed. He attended Iowa Central Community College earning his Associates Degree. His chosen career was a Union Glazier. He worked on many of the buildings in downtown Des Moines, but also spent time working in Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. He retired in 2002.

Dean was drafted in 1964 to the United States Army completing Basic Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before returning to Fort Dodge in the National Guard. He was Honorably Discharged in 1970.

He was united in marriage on November 30, 1968, to the love of his life, Pamela S. Grell at Grace Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Together they raised two children, Amy and Bryan. In 1978, they moved their family to Norwalk and were active members of the community.

Dean was an avid sports fan always following the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He named his dog, Rizzo, after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. He was an Iowa Hawkeye Football Season ticket holder; he enjoyed many weekends tailgating and attended several Bowl Games. He would also cheer for Cyclones (Pam's team) when they weren't playing Iowa. He was always a number one fan of his children and grandchildren in sports, performances, and life.

Dean began driving a school bus for the Norwalk Community School District when he retired from Glazing. He loved taking the children to school and home, but was especially fond of taking the sports teams to their games, meets and matches. He was an ever-loyal Warrior fan, but would cheer for the Indianola Indians if his grandchildren were playing. Dean retired completely in 2016.

In retirement he met regularly with his Men's Breakfast Bible Study Group going out to breakfast at different Central Iowa locations. He went on many trips with Pam enjoying their time together and making memories. He also took his grandchildren on many trips, making lifelong memories with them. He was never bored in his retirement, especially with his honey do list.

Dean is survived by his children, Amy (Bob) Howell and Bryan Andersen; grandchildren, Chloe (Morgan) Adreon and Zachary Howell; and sister-in-law, Beth Andersen. He was preceded in death by his wife Pamela Andersen; his parents Cliff and Gladys Andersen; and siblings DeAnne (Tony) Wesley, Carolee (Dennis) Vinson and Wayne Andersen.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Soteria Church or Redeemer Lutheran Church.