Arlan Thuesen Andersen

Arlan Thuesen Andersen, 87, of Dike, IA died Saturday, July 10, 2021, at home of a heart attack with his beautiful wife, Carol, at his side.

Arlan was born on June 21, 1934, in rural Cedar Falls, IA, to Harold Andersen and Esther (Thuesen) Andersen. He grew up on a farm near Fredsville Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member and proud of his Danish heritage. Arlan always knew he wanted to farm the land he grew up on and he did so most of his life. One of Arlan and Carol's greatest joys was that their son, Eric and his family, continue to farm the same land. As his beloved wife Carol has always said, "that farm and farming was his first love". After graduating from Dike High School in 1952, Arlan graduated from Grandview Junior College, spent two years in the US Army including a year in Germany, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry. In addition to farming, Arlan was very active in his church and community.  Some of his community and church service included serving on the board of directors of the Farmers' Cooperative in Dike (including several terms as president), secretary of the Dike Lion's Club, member of the Dike-New Hartford Danish Brotherhood, board member of Grundy Mutual Insurance, board member of Iowa Savings Bank, co-founder and board member of Corn Country Beef, co-founder of a feeder pig cooperative, and he served on numerous committees and the church council of Fredsville Lutheran Church. As well as Arlan's community service, he, Carol, and their family served as a foster family for numerous children and youth.

While Arlan was deeply rooted in his farm and community, he and Carol also explored various parts of the world, including Kenya, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Cambodia, Denmark, Australia, Canada, and visiting family and friends around the country.

While Alzheimer's Disease deprived Arlan of many of his memories in his final years, he continued to have a sweet, generous, and kind spirit.  He is survived by his wife Carol; their son, Eric (Darla); daughters Julie (Steve Greb) Andersen, and Sara (Tom) VanVlack; 4 grandchildren: Corey (Beth) VanVlack, Bri VanVlack, Kyle Andersen, Megan (Chance) McDonald; 4 great-grandchildren: Laila and Lennon VanVlack, Cash and Maesen McDonald; his siblings: Dennis (Sandra) Andersen, Edwin (Barbara) Andersen, Marilyn (William) Gift; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.  Arlan and Carol also have a non-biological family that is very important to them. Arlan was preceded in death by his parents.

Arlan's visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Fredsville Lutheran Church with a memorial service at 10:30 am on Wednesday also at the church.  Memorials may be directed to Fredsville Lutheran Church and condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.

Arlan was loved deeply by his family and valued and respected by many. The sun has set on an amazing life.