Lynn Andrew Andersen

Lynn Andrew Andersen, the son of Roy and Carrie Elizabeth (Jensen) Andersen, was born on January 1, 1934, in rural Redline, Iowa. He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Iowa, and confirmed at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, Iowa. He attended Elk Horn High School and graduated in 1951. From 1956-57, Lynn served in the United States Navy. On November 29, 1958, Lynn married Mary Lou Reeves in Overland Park, Kansas. The couple farmed in the Elk Horn and Jacksonville areas; he retired from farming in 1996.

In 1961, Lynn purchased the Jacksonville General Store from his uncle, Earl Andersen; he operated the store until it closed in 1982. Lynn then worked for several years at Super Valu (Food Pride) in Harlan, Iowa, and was currently employed by Variety Distributors in Harlan.

Lynn was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, where he served as financial secretary, sang in the choir, and played in the bell choir. He had served as Jacksonville Township Clerk for nearly 40 years. In his spare time, Lynn enjoyed bowling, reading, working, and spending time with his family.

Lynn A. Andersen died on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at his Jacksonville home, at the age of 72 years, 8 months, and 26 days.

Preceding Lynn in death were his parents; his step-mother, Elvina Andersen; two sisters, Verlee Andersen and one in infancy; and one brother-in-law, Gene Elmquist. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Mary Lou Andersen of Jacksonville, Iowa; one son, John (Connie) Andersen of Earling, Iowa; one daughter, Nancy (John, Jr.) Watts of Harlan, Iowa; two sisters, Marilyn Bennett of Atlantic, Iowa, and Kay Elmquist of Mapleton, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Dale Andersen; three step-brothers, Merle Hansen, Donald Hansen, and Harold Hansen; one step-sister, Ardelle Andersen; one step-sister-in-law, Hazel Hansen; five grandchildren, Crystal (Travis) Burnett, Michael (Jennifer) Andersen, Jonna Andersen, Zachary Andersen, and Andrew Watts; three great-grandchildren, Karleigh Burnett, Makenzie Burnett, and Jenna Andersen; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 30, 2006, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating. Peggy Doonan served as the organist and Orval Roecker was the soloist. Honorary casket bearers were Crystal Burnett, Michael Andersen, Jonna Andersen, Zachary Andersen, and Andrew Watts. Serving as casket bearers were Allan Andersen, Matt Andersen, Toni Elmquist, Greg Baier, Kelly Schlake, and Leo Erlemeier. Burial was in the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.