Rupert F. "Andy" Anderson
July 02, 2014
Andy Anderson was born on July 11, 1916 to Edward and Hilda Anderson in Carney, Iowa where his father was a coal miner. He died on July 2, 2014. Andy graduated from Slater High School and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. He was office manager of Zoller Brewing Company before joining the Navy in 1943. Upon returning to Des Moines from San Diego where he was stationed in WWII, he joined Anderson Erickson Dairy and was office manager until his retirement.
Andy married Harriet Johnson in 1937 and they celebrated their 76th anniversary in May. He is survived by his wife Harriet, their daughter Corinne Whitlatch, grandson Kirk Whitlatch and spouse Kimberly, granddaughter Amy Gillum and spouse Charles, great grandchildren Haley and Leah Whitlatch and Hunter and Rose Gillum, sister in law Ellen Miles, second cousin Marcus Anderson, and nieces and nephews.
Andy and Harriet raised and showed boxer dogs and were active in the local and national Boxer Club and American Kennel Club. They opened Vista Kennels in 1950 under Harriet's management. The kennel has operated continuously with management shifting to their grandson. Andy was a self-taught handyman; he built the original kennel from WWII wooden ammunition boxes.
He was on the West Independent school board and was involved with the consolidation that created Southeast Polk School District. A master gardener, he tended his own vegetable and flower gardens until he was 94 years old. Andy was active with The Men's Garden Club and four of his photos were selected for Men’s Garden Club of America calendars. He was also a gifted wood carver of boxers and cows. Since his boyhood, Andy was an avid hunter and fisherman until his eyesight failed. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Sunday, July 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Euclid. Private family burial will occur Monday at Pine Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Melissa Carson
07/13/2014
I have a heavy heart as I think on this again today. Words cannot express the deep sadness that I feel for you all. Harriet - we met only a few times, I am Gus and Bess's granddaughter, I want you to know I'm sending a hug and praying for you. rest in peace Rupert.
Diana Deaton
07/12/2014
My prayers have been & are with all of the family as they go through these trying times. I feel like you guys are a part of my family, after all these yrs. Good to see Harriet, Kim & Kirk today, it was nice visiting with you guys.
D. Charles Shutt
07/12/2014
As a little boy living behind the corn fields of your home & kennels, I can remember it as if it were yesterday; my mother telling me not to bother the dogs or the folks living there, but I would still try my best to see! My thoughts are with the family.
Kay Feeney
07/11/2014
So very sorry to hear of your bad times. You all will be in our prayers.
God bless you all.
Dawn
07/11/2014
Although I have never met this family, my heart goes out to them. I send my sympathy and prayers for their healing. God bless everyone.
Jessica Ramirez
07/09/2014
i have never meant the family but i am from the east side and drive by the vista kennel everyday i am so sorry that something like this happened my prayers go out to the family
Jill Carpenter Biggs
07/08/2014
My sincere sympathy and condolences to my family. Although we have never met. This breaks my heart. My grandma was Hilda's sister Rose Carpenter. My dad was Ruperts cousin. Praying for you all.
Warren "Bus" Anderson
07/08/2014
This is being written by Warren's daughter, Cheryl.
My dad wishes to express how sorry he was to hear of Rupert's death. He remembers Rupert from many years ago. He wants to express his sincere condolences to Harriet.
Julie Guzman
07/07/2014
Kirk and Kim,
I am so sorry for the incredible, inexplicable loss your family has suffered. Please know that I hold your family in my prayers.
Mike and Renetta Chiodo
07/07/2014
Our hearts go out to you and your loss. We have been customers of Vista Kennels for many years-Andy will be deeply missed.
Dawn Baldwin
07/07/2014
I have known Harriet for a long time. I am so sorry to hear of this and would like to convey my deepest sympathies on your loss.
Beth Wimber
07/07/2014
Having grown up always driving by the Vista Kennels and seeing their sign, and now living just two blocks away, I believe all of the East Side of Des Moines share in my sympathies for the loss of Rupert to his family and friends. May the Lord comfort you during this stressful and sorrowful time.
Roberta (bobbie) Nelson
07/05/2014
To the family of Rupert so sorry too hear, and my Sympathy and Prayers are with you at this sad time
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson