Gerald Andersen

Gerald Niels Andersen, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in American Fork, Utah on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Born in Orem, Utah, March 2, 1926 to Niels Andersen and Lucille Davis, he learned the value of hard work on his family farm located on Orem's State Street. After graduation from Lincoln High School, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving as a navigator on the Admiral's staff. He was introduced to his sweetheart through letters exchanged during his time in the service, and upon returning home they were married January 8, 1947 in the Salt Lake City LDS temple. They were subsequently blessed with 4 children.
Gerald loved the land, and first made his living from his 50-acre orchard in Spanish Fork. However, due to several "freeze-outs", he supplemented the family income as manager of Intermountain Farmers Association. Desiring to be his own boss, he took a step as an entrepreneur, building his own farm service supply business which housed a state-of-the-art fertilizer blending plant-the most modern facility in the western United States at the time. Further help was offered to the farmers through his obtaining an agricultural real estate license.
Civically, he was a member and then president of the local Kiwanis Club, and also the chairman of the Utah County Fair Committee. Activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints led to many leadership positions, including Bishop and member of the Stake Presidency. In every assignment he displayed talent for getting things done in an efficient and effective manner. Always a deep thinker, he created innovative ideas that led to successful and often unexpected outcomes.
In retirement, he and Rhea sent out thousands of letters, expressing positivity and encouragement in the face of troubled times. A common sentiment of these letters stated this wish: MAY YOUR TOMORROWS BE EVEN BETTER THAN YOUR TODAYS!
Gerald is survived by his wife, Rhea, and children, Wayne (Melanie) Andersen, Diane (David) Beck, Mark (Peggy) Andersen, and Denise (Brian) Roberts, 19 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Roy.
Funeral services will be held in the Alpine Tabernacle, 110 East Main, American Fork, Utah, on Saturday, October 29, at 12:00 noon. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 that morning, prior to the service. A live broadcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com where condolences and memories may also be shared.
Special thanks is extended to Dignity Hospice Care and Walker Sanderson Mortuary for their kind and attentive care to Gerald and the family. To our dear father we say, "May your tomorrows be even better than your todays."