Richard "Dick" Kenneth Anderson, 83, son of Kenneth W. and Betty S. (Booth) Anderson, was born on Nov. 1, 1932, in Omaha, Neb. He attended Omaha schools and graduated from Omaha North High School in 1950. Dick enlisted in the
Army National Guard and eventually entered the U.S. Army, serving in the
Korean Conflict. He was trained in fixed-wing aviation, attended officer candidate school, and later took helicopter training. Dick served two tours of duty as a medical evacuation pilot with the Medical Service Corps in Vietnam, using the call sign "Dustoff". Dick proudly served his country for a total of 27 years and attained a final rank of Lieutenant Colonel.On June 15, 1960, Dick married Mary Ann Henriksen at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.Following his retirement from active service, Dick farmed and then worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years. He then stayed active by working at local gas stations, where he enjoyed visiting with people.Dick was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church. He was an avid singer, and was a member of the church choir and Western Iowa Arts Association. A member of the American Legion Post #322, Elk Horn, Iowa, and the Harry Albertsen AMVETS in Kimballton, Dick honored the American flag and promoted patriotism to area youth.Richard "Dick" K. Anderson died on Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2016, at his home in rural Kimballton. He had reached the age of 83 years, 10 months, and 19 days.Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Neil Anderson and Royce Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Anderson of Kimballton; three sons, Jay (Barb) Anderson of Ames, Andy (Elizabeth) Anderson of Elk Horn, and Dan (Lisa) Anderson of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one brother, Fred (Ellie) Anderson of Omaha, Neb.; one sister, Kathy Rossitto of Omaha, Neb.; two sisters-in-law, Jean Anderson of Fort Worth, Texas, and Martha Eskov of Elk Horn.; five grandchildren, Carter Anderson, Carson Anderson, Blaine Anderson, Grace Anderson, and Isaac Anderson; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.The funeral service was held on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, with Pastor Keith Menter officiating. Nancy Watson served as the organist, and Loren Christensen and Pastor Keith Menter were soloists. Casket bearers were Jay Anderson, Isaac Anderson, Dan Anderson, Grace Anderson, Andy Anderson, Blaine Anderson, Carter Anderson, Fred Anderson, and Carson Anderson. Burial was in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery, Elk Horn, with military rites performed by the American Legion Post #322, Elk Horn, Iand the Harry Albertsen AMVETS, Kimballton.The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at
www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
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