ANDERSEN, Wesley K.

Wesley K. Andersen, 85 years of age from Minden, NE died on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Bethany Home in Minden. Wes was born on June 18, 1927 in Divide County, North Dakota to Alfred and Marie (Johnson) Andersen. The family moved to Minden when Wes was 11 years old. His father was the pastor of the Fredericksburg Lutheran Church of Minden. Wes graduated from Minden High School in 1945; then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was proud to have served in the south Pacific on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Solerno Bay during World War II. After the war Wes joined his family who were now living in Avoca, Iowa where his father was serving as pastor of the English Lutheran Church. While in Avoca he met Elaine Jorgensen. Wes and Elaine were married on August 17, 1947. Prior to moving to Nebraska Wes worked for Jorgensen Feed and Seed, Avoca Motor Co., Iowa-Nebraska Transportation Co. and the Iowa Highway Commission. In 1965 Wes and the family moved to Minden where he was the administrator of Bethany Home. He served in that capacity for 25 years, retiring in 1990. While at Bethany Home Wes completed many expansion projects. Following his “retirement” he was employed by the Minden Public Schools as a bookkeeper and school bus driver. Wes was an active member of the Fredericksburg Lutheran Church of Minden; serving on many boards and committees within the church. Wes loved to sing and sang in several groups including Men's chorus, a mixed group, and a men's quartet. He performed in many cantatas and various musical programs over the years. Wes was past president and director of the Nebraska Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. As busy as Wes was his family was the most important part of his life. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Survivors include two daughters; Ann Anderson and her husband, Larry of Storm Lake, Iowa, Jeanne Ruiz and her husband, Fred of Grand Island; five grandchildren, Jeff Anderson, Jay Anderson and his wife, Chelle, Robyn Renshaw and her husband, Jack, Micaila Ruiz and Andy Ruiz; four great grandchildren, Hailey Anderson, Brennen Anderson, Griffin Ruiz and Cameron Ruiz; one sister, Ruby Lindstrom of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters in-law, Faith Andersen and Gen Andersen; brother in-law, Leonard Bauer and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; four brothers, Arnold, Milton, Maynard and Vernon; and two sisters, Lucille Olsen and Myrtle Bauer. Funeral services will be on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fredericksburg Lutheran Church south of Minden. The Revs. Baron and Nancy Cole will be officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Fredericksburg Lutheran Church or Bethany Home.