Andersen, Steven Robert 1948-2007

ANDERSEN, BALMER, BURKARD

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/20/2008 at 20:35:14

Steven Robert Andersen, the son of Carlton and Elaine (Balmer) Andersen, was born on Jan. 29, 1948, in Estherville. During his childhood, as his father was starting his teaching career, the family lived in several Iowa communities, including Estherville, Cedar Falls, Urbandale, Burlington and Moulton. They eventually settled in Knoxville, where Steve graduated from high school.

On April 3, 1971, he was united in marriage to Joanne Burkard in Knoxville. They were blessed with four children.

Steve was a member of the Iowa Air National Guard from 1966-1972. He worked for the State of Iowa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a land surveyor. From 1978-1983 he farmed in Nobles County, Minn. Steve was forced to retire on disability in 1988 due to Machado-Joseph disease, which deteriorated his coordination and balance.

Never one to dwell on the negative, Steve thoroughly enjoyed educating people about his disease. He got a kick out of "stumping the interns" each time he was in a teaching hospital. Armed with determination and a love for traveling, he was able to participate in RAGBRAI in both 1986 and 1988, and a Trans-America Bicycle Trek in 1989.

As an adult, Steve had the privilege of discovering a "new family" as he became acquainted with his half- sister and brothers, and their extended families. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, the Onyx Lodge Masons, and had been on the HMS Parent Advisory Board.

He passed away at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center on Aug. 18, 2007 at the age of 59. He was a Lion's cornea donor.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joanne; their children: Athena (Wade) Kellenberger of Sioux Falls, S.D., Peter (Ornuma) Andersen of Mukilteo, Wash., Pamela Andersen of Sioux Falls, S.D., and April Andersen of Lincoln, Neb.; three grandchildren, Brady, Courtney and Brooklyn; sisters: Gail (John) Young, Paula (Mike) Paul, Gwen Andersen, Eva (Josh) McAlister; his half-siblings: Peggy, Larry, David and Dennis; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Bill and Evelyn Burkard, sister-in-law Lea Haselrick and brother-in-law Leonard Burkard.

Funeral Services were held at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Sanborn on Tuesday, Aug. 21, with Fr. Tim Hogan officiating. Interment was in the Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn.
The Knoxville Journal Express, August 24, 2007