Charleen Anderson

October 11, 1932 - January 29, 2019

Charleen Anderson, age 86, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at her home surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place prior to the service at the church starting at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Storm Lake United Methodist Church: 211 E 3rd St. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588; or to Genesis Development: 1607 North Lake Ave. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Charleen Ruth Rush, the daughter of William and Esther (Kusch) Rush, was born on October 11, 1932, in Hawarden, Iowa. Char was baptized as an infant by her great uncle. She was raised and grew up in the Methodist faith. Char attended grade school and high school in Hawarden, graduating in 1951. She continued her education at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, where she played competitively on a softball team. She earned her nursing degree in 1954. On May 6, 1955, Char was united in marriage to David Anderson in Hawarden. The couple was blessed with three children: Debra, Jane, and Barbara. Char was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. She was also a member of PEO and played in many bridge clubs. Dave and Char lived in Le Mars and Sac City before moving to Storm Lake in 1966. She worked as a dedicated and caring nurse at the BV Hospital until 1985 and then as a Judicial Mental Health Advocate in Buena Vista County until the age of 80. She also volunteered her time unselfishly, and was honored for those efforts by then governor Terry Branstad. Char enjoyed playing bridge, doing word puzzles, golfing, reading, and watching the “wild life” in her backyard. She further enjoyed giving golf tips to her husband, whether he wanted them or not! Trips to Florida and cheering for her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes were also favorite pastimes. Her family and friends may remember her as just a little bit competitive! Above all, Char loved spending time loving on her grandchildren and new great-granddaughter. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 63 years, David “Dave” Anderson of Storm Lake; her children: Debra (Larry) Starr of Iowa City, Iowa; Jane (Jeff) Johannesen of Waukee, Iowa; and Barbara (Tim) Murphy of Albertville, Minnesota; grandchildren: Amber (Ted Johnson) Starr, David (Shelbi) Johannesen, Jacob Johannesen, Claire (Matthew) Creason, Eric Murphy, and Ethan Murphy; great-granddaughter, Avery Starr; and many other relatives and dear friends. Char was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Storm Lake United Methodist Church: 211 E 3rd St. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588; or Genesis Development: 1607 North Lake Ave. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588.