Donald Fred Richard Andresen

Donald Fred Richard Andresen

Keystone

Donald Fred Richard Andresen, 84, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, formerly of Keystone, Iowa, was called to heaven on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, from Keelson's Harbour Assisted Living where he and wife, Norma, reside.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone with the Rev. David Simonson officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the start of the 2:30 p.m. memorial service. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery at a later date. A memorial fund has been established to go to Lakes Regional Healthcare Home Care and Hospice, and to Alzheimer's Association.

Donald was born on Nov. 3, 1937, on the family farm near Keystone to LeRoy and Elvera (Lutz) Andresen. Donald was united in marriage with Norma Coover, of Belle Plaine, on March 24, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone.

Don and Norma farmed the family farm west of Keystone for 21 years, from 1956 to 1977. He drove a school bus for Benton Community School District for 14 years. Donald and Norma moved to Spencer, Iowa, in 1977. While in Spencer, Don worked for Morton Buildings and the City of Spencer Street Department and in City Hall. He truly enjoyed operating the pay-loader and snowplow trucks, as well as working with the public. He enjoyed gardening, camping, walking, bird watching and meeting new friends.

Don was a member of the Optimist Club and volunteered in Meals-on-Wheels program, at Cherish Center, and as a Dickinson County Trail Security Rider.

Don and Norma relocated in Apache Junction, Ariz., where Don did guard duty and helped other residents with odd jobs. They returned to Iowa to live in Spirit Lake.

Don was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his loving wife of 66 years and with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He is survived by wife, Norma; children, Richard (Nancy) Andresen of Wakonda, S.D., Patricia (Brian) Ruehle of Hazel Green, Wis.; and Stuart (Julie) Andresen of Fort Dodge, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Coover of Belle Plaine, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Harder; brother-in-law, Verlyn Harder; and brother-in-law, Sheldon Coover.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.