Thomas Elgin Andersen went to be with Jesus on January 12, 2024.

Tom was born in Algona on September 15, 1956, to Gorden and Ruth Andersen. He graduated from West Bend-Mallard High School in 1974 and attended Morningside College. He married the love of his life, Jan Wilson (Spencer), in 1986 and adopted Theron and Mandy, becoming a devoted father. Following a traumatic trucking accident, he and Jan attended Iowa Central Community College and he returned to trucking, until 2003 when he became the Transportation Manager for Pro Cooperative in Rolfe/Pocahontas, Iowa. He sang with the Cornbelt Chorus, as well as in church, and had a true passion for music. He retired in 2020 and served as the Mayor of Rolfe until he moved to Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge.

Theron remembers…"Mom and Dad were at every game and wrestling tournament I ever participated in. Dad and I went out to Wasko's to polish wheels, hunt for pheasants, and just do "guy" stuff. Dad taught me a good work ethic in so many ways, and one was by getting me a job shoveling snow at the Rolfe Post Office in the early mornings. He taught me how to drive and how to fishtail the Ford Aerostar around the corners. I am going to miss the hours on the phone, talking about everything and nothing. He was my confidant and my best friend."

Mandy remembers…"Dad taught me how to ride my purple bike down our curvy driveway. We spent lots of time in the backyard playing frisbee with Snoopy. When we would ride in the semi, as a family, he'd stop for us to pick up a rock or leaf or acorn as a souvenir from each state. I used to stand on his knees, he'd hold my ankles and lift me up so I'd have to let go and balance. On one of our many camping trips, it rained so much that we had to abandon the tent and sleep in the back of the van. I am going to miss our fishing trips, morning conversations over coffee, and playing games at the Pizza Ranch arcade."

Tom leaves behind his children, Theron (Amy) and Mandy (Randy), as well as his siblings, Steve Andersen (Cinde), Cheryl Graff (Gene), Bruce Andersen (Kathy), and Nancy Hoffman (Bob). He will be missed greatly by his grandchildren Seth, Mercedes, Christian, Rayven, Sofia, Ryan, and Wyatt and his great grandson, Jasper, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife.

Tom loved his family with all his heart and was a good friend to so many. We rejoice that he is now walking hand in hand with Jan, in peace, and without pain. He is very loved, he will be very missed, and his memory will live on in the stories, photos, and lives he invested in. He left us a legacy that you choose to love and then you never break your promise.