Roger Andersen, 85, passed away on April 15, 2018 in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. A celebration of life funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 20, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa. Burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Roger was born in Shelby County, IA to Niels and Helga Andersen. He graduated from Storm Lake High School, earned a B.A. in Music Education from Buena Vista College, and an MME in Music Education from Drake University. He was also very proud of his status as a first-generation American.
Following college, Roger spent two years in the Army. He then began an instrumental music teaching career that took him to the Radcliffe, West Monona, and Ames Community schools.
Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan, and his five children David (Marian) of Coralville, IA, Diane (Pat) Hawks of Anna, TX, Lisa (David) Chizek of Toledo, IA, Karen (Larry) Prescott of Bloomington, MN, and Kristin (Greg) White of Louisville, CO, 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family, laughter, community, music, and travel were what Roger loved best. He was a member of many bands including the 3rd Armored Division Band, the Karl King Band, and the Heart of Iowa Senior Band, as well as a variety of others. Roger shared his love of music and had an impact on the lives of thousands of students over 38 years of teaching. Roger was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
I have thought of Mr Anderson many times over the years. He was a wonderful and encouraging band director and an awful lot of fun in Ames Municipal Summer Band. He will have touched so many people and be remembered well by all. So sorry for your loss.
Roger and I had become acquainted through Golden K Kiwanis. We both remembered Bill Bendix's show- Life of Riley. We'd greet each other with Digger O'Dell's greeting- Ho, Riley, you're looking good, very natural. Bob Farr
Karen and family - he sounds like quite a guy! I'm sorry you have to mourn his passing. I am praying for your healing. It sounds like he has left you with a lot of wonderful memories and I hope you can take comfort in that.
Ames Parks & Rec Summer Band concert at Bandshell, July 17, 1980.
Fond memories of Roger as my music teacher in Radcliffe. HAve thought of him several times over the years and wondered where they were
Lynette Rahfeldt
Fond memories of Roger when he taught music in Radcliffe
I hope that great memories of a wonderful life can help you through this time of sadness.
Sincerely - David Beat
I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was a wonderful band director and an incredible help to me when I came to Ames 31 years ago. I had left my husband and 3 year old as I was hired less than a week before school started. Roger was so kind and supportive. He would ask me everyday "How are you doing?" I have missed him since he retired and enjoyed seeing him at the Iowa Military Veteran's band events. I can imagine him playing Tuba. Joan and all the children will be in my prayers. Mary Kay Polashek
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010