The Life of KENNETH JEROME ANDERSEN
Kenneth J. Andersen, 61, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, with his loving wife by his side. Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2017, from 5:00 – 7:00p.m., at Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W. First Street Ankeny, IA 50023). Funeral services will be held Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:00a.m., at Ankeny Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.
Kenneth Jerome Andersen was born October 14, 1955, in Des Moines, to Robert and Dolores (Madsen) Andersen. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1972. Ken was united in marriage to Jane Marsh on September 29, 1979 in Polk City, Iowa. He worked in the heating and cooling industry for 22 years before switching careers to computers. He retired from the IT department at Wellmark in 2014. He attended Real Life Church in Ankeny, Iowa.
Ken enjoyed many different shooting sports. He was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), the NRA, the Izaak Walton League, and was a beloved member of the Goddard Cowboys in Colfax, Iowa. He taught Jr. Rifle Club when his sons were young, and was himself a national champion black powder rifleman in his youth. More than shooting itself, his favorite pastime was hand loading his own ammunition, an art that he enjoyed passing on to his sons, grandsons, and dear friends.
Ken was an avid student of history. He was particularly knowledgeable concerning all facets of the World Wars; of firearms; and in recent years had a keen interest in the history of railroads and coal mining in Iowa. He actively sought out ways to commend the study of history to the next generation. He partnered locally with the Ankeny Area Historical Society to form an exhibit displaying some of Iowa''s World War II history.
Ken also loved grilling for family and friends. He was famous for his pork chops and "secret recipe" baked beans, which were served at almost every family gathering when weather permitted. His most recent passion was being papa to his dear grandchildren.
Most importantly, as he would attest, Ken was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. He believed upon the the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; upon the atoning work of the cross for the forgiveness of his sins. He urged others to place their trust in Christ as well.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jane Andersen; father: Robert (Betty) Andersen of Des Moines, IA; children: Nicholas Andersen of West Des Moines, IA, Jason (Erin) Andersen of Ankeny and Emily (Benton) Nissen of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren: Josiah, Terra, Simon, Isabella, Molly, Elias, Luke and Caleb Andersen and Keira Nissen; sister, Judith Andersen (Ron Mickevicius) and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Andersen.
Kenneth Jerome Andersen was born October 14, 1955, in Des Moines, to Robert and Dolores (Madsen) Andersen. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1972. Ken was united in marriage to Jane Marsh on September 29, 1979 in Polk City, Iowa. He worked in the heating and cooling industry for 22 years before switching careers to computers. He retired from the IT department at Wellmark in 2014. He attended Real Life Church in Ankeny, Iowa.
Ken enjoyed many different shooting sports. He was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), the NRA, the Izaak Walton League, and was a beloved member of the Goddard Cowboys in Colfax, Iowa. He taught Jr. Rifle Club when his sons were young, and was himself a national champion black powder rifleman in his youth. More than shooting itself, his favorite pastime was hand loading his own ammunition, an art that he enjoyed passing on to his sons, grandsons, and dear friends.
Ken was an avid student of history. He was particularly knowledgeable concerning all facets of the World Wars; of firearms; and in recent years had a keen interest in the history of railroads and coal mining in Iowa. He actively sought out ways to commend the study of history to the next generation. He partnered locally with the Ankeny Area Historical Society to form an exhibit displaying some of Iowa''s World War II history.
Ken also loved grilling for family and friends. He was famous for his pork chops and "secret recipe" baked beans, which were served at almost every family gathering when weather permitted. His most recent passion was being papa to his dear grandchildren.
Most importantly, as he would attest, Ken was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. He believed upon the the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; upon the atoning work of the cross for the forgiveness of his sins. He urged others to place their trust in Christ as well.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jane Andersen; father: Robert (Betty) Andersen of Des Moines, IA; children: Nicholas Andersen of West Des Moines, IA, Jason (Erin) Andersen of Ankeny and Emily (Benton) Nissen of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren: Josiah, Terra, Simon, Isabella, Molly, Elias, Luke and Caleb Andersen and Keira Nissen; sister, Judith Andersen (Ron Mickevicius) and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Andersen.