Andrea Lara Biklen

Andrea Lara Biklen, 47, of Des Moines, IA died unexpectedly Sunday morning, September 30, 2018. Andrea was born August 5, 1971 in Des Moines to W. Michael and Marcia A. Biklen. During her lifetime, Andrea lived throughout Iowa including Stuart, Lake Park, Tama, Pella, Indianola and Des Moines. She met David Hanson in 2003, marrying on October 8, 2005. They have one son, Noah Hanson.

Andrea graduated Pella High School, 1989; Simpson College with a B.A. in English and magna cum laude, 1993; and Bemidji State University with an M.A. in English, 1995. She worked at AIB College and most recently served as the Director of the Continuing & Graduate Programs West Des Moines Campus for Simpson College since 2007. Previously, Andrea worked as the academic advisor at Simpson’s Indianola campus and for the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Simpson. Andrea has been an adjunct faculty member in the English Department since 1995.

Andrea’s work at Simpson College impacted the lives of hundreds of adult students by guiding their way to degree completion. In Andrea’s own words from her Simpson College profile: I love my job and I am good at it. I have been a student, faculty, and academic advisor at Simpson College for over 26 years; I have reams of institutional knowledge and I am adept at directing students to needed resources. I am quick to provide direction on the best sequence of classes, remind students with mock sternness of up-coming deadlines, and share my trove of wisdom on how to stay attentive during a four hour accounting class. One spring commencement, one of my adult student advisees “Brandon” proudly escorted his lovely wife across the verdant lawn to meet me, the woman who had consumed so much of her husband’s time and attention over the last three years. As I warmly congratulated him on completing his degree and reached out to shake his wife’s hand, Brandon said, “This is Andrea. She’s my . . . my . . . she’s my Simpson Mom!” “Oh no,” I replied. “I’m your Simpson Bossy Older Sister.”

Along with her work and family, Andrea had many other loves. She enjoyed reading books on the porch, cross stitching, playing hand bells, singing show tunes and hymns. She was loved for her sense of humor, creativity and passion for life. There was never a dull moment when she was around! Andrea cared for friends and family as much as they cared for her. She was a loving wife and a wonderful mother. They enjoyed spending time together traveling, going to shows, participating in church activities, and playing games (not Monopoly).

Andrea is survived by her husband, David and son, Noah; her parents, W. Michael and Marcia Biklen, Muscatine, IA; a brother, Bryce and his wife Pam and their two children Zachary and Molly, West Des Moines, IA; her parents-in-law, Don and Geri Hanson, Iowa City, IA; and extended family and friends.

Services will be held at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines with visitation Friday, October 5, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. and the funeral service on Saturday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m.

Andrea has donated her organs to the Iowa Donor Network, transforming the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Camp Wesley Woods, Simpson College, or Immanuel United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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