Kevin Andersen Obituary

Kevin C. Andersen, 71, of Grundy Center, Iowa formerly of Waterloo, Iowa; passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. with 1 hour visitation prior to service on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Amity Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck. The burial will be held privately by the family at Hudson Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

 Kevin was born on February 25, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, to his parents Arnold and Joann (Bergen) Andersen. He was raised in Hudson and Waterloo. Kevin graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1973.

 Kevin had a passion for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. His interest began at around age 10, crafting silver rings from half dollars on a picnic table while camping. In junior high school, he continued developing his skills with encouragement from his art teacher, Larry Skeries. During his senior year, Kevin joined a co-op program and worked for a local jewelry manufacturer. Over the years, he carved, cast, and finished many one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Following graduation, Kevin continued his career as a jeweler, goldsmith, and Certified Gemologist, working in the field for 50 years. He also spent 20 years as a potter and co-owner of Anders?n Stoneware Co. with his sister, supported by his Dad, Mom, and other family members.

 Kevin also drove a school bus for 10 years for area community schools, from which he retired. His bus kids were like grandkids to him. They really meant a lot to him! The kids on Kevin's bus looked forward to the annual water fight on the ride home on the last day of school. He was as wet as they were by the end of the ride.

 Kevin was a charter member of The Proud Image Chorus and served on the Cedar Valley Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. Kevin was a proud Eagle Scout, earned the Boy Scout Honor Medal for saving a life, and also the Boy Scout Medal of Merit for attempting to save another.

 Kevin loved woodworking, woodcarving, collecting Red Wing stoneware, boating, riding his trike, fishing, performing the occasional magic trick and making people laugh. His true joy in life came from spending time with his family.

 Left to cherish his memory are his sons Matt and Luke Andersen; sister Becky Anderson; brother Kurt (Deanne) Andersen; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his infant brother Bryan Andersen.