Steve Robert Andersen

1948 - 2024

Steve Andersen was a great spirit and friend. He was born on May 13, 1948, and passed away May 9, 2024. He was born with cerebral palsy and struggled all his life to do the physical things we take for granted. But his physical condition did not stop his spirit. He grew up riding horses, hunting, fishing, and getting into trouble with a host of friends in Teton and St. Anthony, Idaho.

Steve loved to write out his ideas. He learned to type on a IBM Selectric typewriter and later used computer word processing to express himself. With determination and stamina, he graduated from high school, college, and received a master's degree in social work. He taught Adaptive Recreation at Ricks College and partnered with other faculty in the Biology and Recreational Leadership Departments to lead Discovery programs and outdoor activities.

His physical limitations did not slow him down from taking pack horses into the back country of the Tetons, repelling down mountain sides, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Steve loved all things cowboy and wore his cowboy boots, bolo tie, and large belt bucket with pride.

Over months and years, he slowly typed out a life history about his ancestors and the early years of his life. This history and other updates he wrote in recent times can be found on FamilySearch memories. He also tried his hand at writing a book, but, after 150 pages, the storyline got away from him and he couldn't figure out a way to finish it.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Leland Andersen, Melva Edna Bean, his brother Rodney Andersen, sister Maryn Andersen, and his wives Lorna Ann Simper and Shirley Marie Cox. He is survived by his sisters Judy and Barbara.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.