Anderson, Steven Robert 1948-2007

BALMER, ANDERSON, BURKARD

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 9/26/2011 at 21:47:39

Steven Robert Anderson, the son of Carlton and Elaine (Balmer) Andersen, was born Jan 29, 1948 in Estherville. During his childhood 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, were Steve graduated from high school.

On April 3, 1971, he was united in marriage to Joanne Burkard in Knoxvil1e. They were blessed with four children. Steve was a member of 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.

Steve passed way at Sheldon Medical Center on Aug 18, 2007, at the age of 59. He was a Loin’s cornea doner.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Joanne; their children: Athena (Wade) Kellenberger of Sioux Falls, S.D, Peter (Ornnuma) Anderson of Mukilteo, Wash., Pamela Anderson of Sioux Falls, S.D., and April Anderson of Lincoln, Neb.; three grandchildren, Brady, Courtney and Brooklyn; sisters, Gail (John) Young, Paula (Mike) Paul, Gwen Anderson, 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 Catholic Church in Sanborn on Tuesday. Aug. 21, with Father Tim Hogan officiating. Interment was in the Roseland Cemetery in Sanborn.

Knoxville Journal-Express August 24, 2007