Verlene E. Andersen, 92, longtime resident of Atlantic, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Atlantic Nursing and Rehab in Atlantic, Iowa.
Verlene Elsie Andersen was born November 23, 1921 the daughter of Ernest and Bertha (Jacobsen) Holtz in Avoca, Iowa. She attended school in Walnut, Iowa where she graduated from high school. Verlene was married to Einer Andersen of Atlantic, Iowa January 16, 1946 at First Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. The couple farmed north of Atlantic while they raised their son, Dave and daughter, Marcia. They moved into Atlantic in 1960 when Einer worked for Larsen & Lowers as a farm mechanic while Verlene worked as a housekeeper; for Grahams Department Store; and with the Head Start Program until she retired in 1986. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was active into her latter years. She moved into the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab September of 2008 and enjoyed making friends there—as well as attending programs, Bingo and other recreational activities.
She enjoyed baking and was known for her special nutty, frosted cakes, home made bread and delicious pressed chicken. Some of her favorite things included dancing, fishing and "staying busy." Her family will remember her as "Just a great mom and grandmother." They will treasure their memories of attending the Iowa State Fair and her legacy of maintaining a never giving up attitude, kindness and mischievousness.
Verlene is survived by her son, Dave Andersen of Altoona, Iowa and his fiancée, Becky Beaman of Indianola, Iowa; grandson, Jason (Erica) Andersen and great grandson, Dane of West DesMoines; grandson, Joel (Kristin) Andersen and great grand daughters, Abby and Ava of Thornton, CO; grand daughter, Jayna Andersen of Iowa City; and Verlene's sister, Darlene Graner of Manning, IA.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Einer; daughter-in-law, Paula Andersen; daughter, Marcia Andersen (at the age of eight); parents; and siblings.
Verlene's Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 19, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Atlantic. The Committal Service, will follow the Funeral, in the Atlantic Cemetery. The Family will Meet with Relatives and Friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening, February 18, at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. There will be Open Visitation from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday, February 17 and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - when Family Meeting Friends will begin on February 18 at Rolands.
Roland Funeral Service of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Verlene's family and arrangements. Condolences may be left in her guest book at .