Wilfred "Andy" Dexter Andersen

Wilfred “Andy” Dexter Andersen, the son of John C. and Florence (Petersen) Andersen, was born October 11, 1935, at his parents’ home in Cass County near Atlantic, Iowa and died September 16, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Home in Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 80 years, 11 months, and 5 days. When Andy was three years old he contracted Whooping Cough and Chicken Pox. During his illness he spiked a high fever for several days which left him disabled.
Andy’s family cared for him and then on November 17, 1943, he moved to the Glenwood State Hospital School when he was eight years old. Andy made a friend wherever he went. He was easy going, always wore a smile and he liked to shake hands. He was often seen in a neck tie, sports jacket or a hat, he loved to look and smell good. His personality and style always made him a hit with the ladies.
Andy’s favorite past time was watching or playing baseball. In 1975, a recreation specialist wrote “Wilfred really loves to play ball, and never seems to tire of it.” The love of baseball stayed with him throughout his life. Whenever Trudy asked Andy what he wanted to do, he’d make the motion of swinging a bat and say “ball game.” Andy participated in Special Olympics bowling, soft ball throw, and basketball skills. He loved his trips to Ames, Iowa for the events and for THE GIRLS! He participated in Special Olympics Challenge Day for over 25 years.
Andy insisted on being wherever the action was. He loved to joke around with staff and we know he understood the jokes he heard! His laugh was contagious; he simply lit up an entire room. As strong as he was, he couldn’t hold on to things. He Dropped Everything!! We know he enjoyed the sound of breaking glass! He loved to showcase his strength and did so by reaching out to shake a hand and he’d laugh while squeezing as hard as he could and was begged to let go.
Andy liked going out for ice cream, fishing, spending time outside, and writing on paper. He always had pens, pencils, and notebooks handy. He loved getting the Sunday paper and if he could have, he would have started each day with the paper and a cup of coffee.
Andy sincerely liked people and was a happy person. When talking to people, it would sound like Andy asked if you loved him, “love me?” he would ask. Yes Andy, we love you!
Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant sister Barbara Andersen; his brother Russell Dean Andersen; his sister-in-law Mary E. Andersen and his niece Tamara Jayne Melendez
Survivors include his brothers Robert and wife Marilyn Andersen, Delbert and wife Eleanor Andersen, and Richard and wife Sylvia Andersen all of Exira, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives; his Glenwood Resource Center Family and many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Joshua Farrell, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira, Iowa. The casket bearers will be Robert Andersen, Delbert Andersen, Richard Andersen, Rodney Andersen, John Andersen, Ron Christensen, Frank Dunham, Jeffrey Andersen, Jerry Andersen and Robert Archuleta. The family will meet with friends Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 P.M. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.