Carrie Marie Andersen

Carrie Marie Andersen, who had unwavering faith and was the protector and caretaker of her family, passed away on May 11, 2024, at her home in Newton, Iowa. She was born on July 24, 1961, to Charles and Joan (Madsen) Sorensen. Carrie’s life was one filled with faith, love and family.

Carrie’s journey through life included many health issues, but she handled them with grace and determination. Her education started in Audubon, Iowa, and she graduated in 1980. Once she graduated, her journey took her to Ankeny, Iowa, where she attended DMACC for graphic design. Carrie was an excellent artist, whether she was painting, drawing, designing within Photoshop, or creating special projects for her family.

Carrie’s faith has kept her grounded all these years. She was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa, and confirmed in the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, Iowa. Her life brought her to the Methodist Church in Earlham, Iowa, where she served on many committees, but her favorite was sharing her faith with the youth group.

Through her faith and some divine intervention, she was married to Terry Dale Andersen on September 4, 1982.  Their love story was one that wasn’t without bumps in the road, but as Carrie would say, “God is leading our path, and we serve him”. Terry and Carrie had 41 amazing years of marriage. This marriage was blessed with two children and 5 grandchildren. Her children are Heather Davidson (Joe) and Justin Andersen (Stephanie). Carrie’s favorite title was Grandma.  She was blessed with 5 amazing grandchildren who are Connor, Colton, Owen, Payton, and Jordan.

Carrie loved her family and absolutely loved get-togethers.  She always said that family time was good for her soul.  During these family get-togethers, especially birthdays, she was tasked with making the cakes for her grandchildren. She loved making them because she would ask each grandchild what design they wanted each year.  She was fiercely creative with her cakes from princess castles and farm fields.  Her eyes would light up each time the grandchildren got excited for the cake.  Beyond her amazing cake decorating, she was an avid sports enthusiast whether it was her own children’s activities or her grandchildens’ activities.  You could find her sitting in the bleachers most evenings and weekends.  She was an Iowa State Cyclone fan through and through.  She did give Terry a run for his money because he is a Iowa Hawkeye fan.  This was definitely a house divided.

Carrie wanted us to live our lives to the fullest, knowing that God has our lives in his hands. She was a firm believer that she was going to heaven, and she shared this with others many times. She wanted you to know that it is okay to be sad, but know that she is two-stepping with God and the angels.

Carrie is survived by her loving husband, Terry; her children Heather (Joe), Justin (Stephanie); her 5 grandchildren, Connor, Colton, Owen, Payton, and Jordan; her mom, Joan Sorensen; brother Larry Sorensen (Vicky); sister, Nadine Buffaloe (Robert); father-in-law Dale Andersen, sisters-in-law, Sherry Lockhart and Jerri Riesberg (Randy); step sisters-in-law, Diane Hovey, Deb Holm (Kevin). She has many cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends who love her.

Carrie was preceded in death by her father, Charles Sorensen; mother-in-law, Carol Andersen; stepmother-in-law, Betty Andersen; and brother-in-law, Barry Andersen and Dave Lockhart.

We leave you with her favorite scripture to take with you.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.