Robert "Bob" James Andersen

Robert "Bob" Andersen, 67, of Johnston, passed away November 22nd, 2023. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:30am at Westchester Evangelical Free Church with a lunch to follow. Live-streaming options for those unable to attend in person are https://www.facebook.com/westchestercares or https://westchestercares.org/worship-at-home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be given to the Johnston Partnership (food pantry) or to the Missions of the Westchester Evangelical Free Church. Checks can be made to Westchester and designated as Bob's Memorial Fund where it will be used for either the Haiti ministry or feeding local children or you can click on one of the links you choose to donate to: https://johnstonpartnership.org/donate/ or https://ucihaiti.org/donate 

Born January 29, 1956, in Story City, Iowa, to Axel and Martha Ruhnke Andersen. He was the youngest child, growing up with his sisters: Kathy and Ginny in Jewell, Iowa where he attended South Hamilton High School graduating in 1974.  After high school he attended and got his bachelor’s degree in computer programing at Iowa State University. He also played in the ISU Marching Band; music was a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. 

He met Peggy Duncan while at Iowa State and the couple was married On April 28, 1979. This union was blessed with two children: Kelly and Grant. They moved to Texas while working as a programmer and later moved to Minneapolis to be closer to family. In 1990 they moved again, while raising a family, back to Iowa where he began working for Continental Western Insurance Company in Des Moines. He loved his job and his work friends.  

Bob loved people and was a friend of all who knew him. He had a generous and giving heart and was very active in his community. Bob was a child and servant of Christ, baptized as a Christian early in life. He chose to be baptized again as an adult at Westchester Church. He gave his time and talents to his Westchester Church family. Bob’s true passion for giving showed through in his dedication and hard work to local food pantries. 

He enjoyed life and was well rounded in his hobbies. Bob had a passion for playing pool, attending ISU events (including football games and watching the Marching Band), he loved the outdoors and spent time hunting deer, pheasant, turkey, going fishing and golfing.  He and Peggy traveled with friends for many years to the warmth of Mexico and the Caribbean during the winter and they also enjoyed motorcycle trips. 

 Bob loved life and people. Those closest to him were his family. Bob was married to Peggy, the love of his life for 44 years; and blessed with his children: Kelly Andersen and Grant (Ericka) Andersen; and he adored his grandchildren: Brooklyn and Lily. He will be missed by his sister, Kathy Maegerlein and many other relatives, and friends.  

Bob was preceded in death by parents, Axel and Martha Andersen; his sister and her husband, Dick and Ginny Moore; Kathy’s husband, Bob Maegerlein; Peggy’s father, Les Duncan and Peggy’s brother, Mike Duncan. 

Bob was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia (Primary Progressing Aphasia) that affected his speech. Being such an outgoing person, it was terribly hard for him to give up so many things he loved.  Bob’s family would like to thank everyone who has helped, prayed, and supported Bob. Specifically, Hospice of the Midwest and the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Unit for the outstanding care they provided him. It is truly appreciated. Thank you.