Anderson, Darrell Lee (1951-2022)

ANDERSON, HANSON, LARSON, ELSBERRY

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 3/9/2023 at 15:34:30

South Hamilton Record News, Jewell, Iowa, November 9, 2022/Soderstrum Reimers Funeral Home website

Darrell Lee Anderson, 71, of Gilbert, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 1, in his home. Visitation will be Friday, November 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m., and funeral service will be Saturday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Gilbert Lutheran Church.

The son of Arnold and Florence (Hanson) Anderson, Darrell grew up the youngest of five children in Randall. The Anderson brothers delivered the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspapers in Randall for twenty years. He attended grade school in Randall, junior high in Ellsworth, and South Hamilton High School in Jewell, where he graduated with the class of 1969.

In his junior year in high school, Darrell's chemistry lab partner was Deb Larson. Their chemistry went beyond the classroom, and the couple's first date was to the South Hamilton junior-senior prom that year. In high school, Darrell was an accomplished track and cross-country runner, which he continued throughout most of his life. They continued dating through high school and on to the University of Northern Iowa, where Darrell earned degrees in history and computational mathematics.

In the summer of 1974 Deb and Darrell were married three days after he graduated from UNI. They made their home in Gilbert. Over the years, Darrell was employed at Employers Mutual Insurance, the Department of Criminal Investigation, and Sundstrand (now Danfoss), where he worked in IT and manufacturing for over thirty years. He was a member of the Gilbert Lions club for more than 35 years, serving as president and secretary/treasurer.

Throughout their years of marriage, Deb and Darrell loved traveling in the U.S. and to many countries and were avid supporters of UNI athletics.

Darrell and Deb welcomed son Derek into the family in 1982. Oh, how Darrell always loved being a dad! As Derek grew up, Darrell spent hours playing catch and coaching city league baseball, instilling the love of running, and never missed Derek's athletic endeavors in all sports. Most importantly, Darrell taught Derek how to be a good man and father.

Darrell was baptized, confirmed, and married at Elim Lutheran Church in Randall. After Derek was born, they were all active in the Gilbert Lutheran Church.

Second to being a father, Darrell's joy was in being a grandfather to Derek 's three precious children Cade, 11, Calla, 5, and Caleb, 2. Along with Deb, Darrell spent many happy hours with them in Pella.

Darrell is survived by Deb, his wife of 48 years, their son Derek and wife Christine, and children, Cade, Calla, and Caleb; brother Dennis (Sara) of Carroll and sister Betty Elsberry of Ames; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers DeWayne (Sylvia), and Richard (Hannah Ann).

Memorials will be designated to the Gilbert Lions Club.