Victor Lee Anderson

Victor Lee Anderson, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2021. Vic was born in Shenandoah, Iowa, on March 12, 1939, to Ruth (Gamble) and Del Anderson. He graduated high school from Coin, Iowa, in 1957. In 1961 he achieved his bachelor of science in education at Northwest Missouri State. He then later earned his master’s in Music Education from Drake University in 1966.

Throughout college, Vic played the trumpet in his father’s dance band. After graduating college, Vic was a high school band director for 8 years at Roland-Story High School in Story City, Iowa. Music was always his passion. He was a mentor and tutor to many young musicians, no matter which instrument they played. He loved their enthusiasm and wanted to pass his love for music on to the next generation.

In the 1980's Vic formed Vic's Big Band so he could jam with his friends/musicians. He later was the director of The Greater Des Moines Community Band for two decades. After moving to Sebring, Florida, he directed The Highlands County Concert Band for the next 13 years. While in Sebring he joined Heartland Christian Church. Vic was a 30-year member of Windjammers Unlimited. In May of this year he and Barbara Jean moved back to Iowa and settled in Urbandale.

Vic had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying his ultralight. He also loved riding his motorcycle and was an avid golfer. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean of 38 years; his children, Valerie Elliott (Nathan) of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Carrie Glandorf (Darren) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Karl Raymond (Patty) of St. Michael, Minnesota; his stepchildren, Colleen Bair of Craig, Colorado, Randy Thompson (Sheri) of Urbandale, Iowa, Melody Gray (Jimmy) of Johnston, Iowa, Darrell Thompson (Olga) of Toronto, Ontario, Darla Wolfe (Jody) of Johnston, Iowa, and Dawn Reseland (Doug) of Urbandale, Iowa. His 23 grandchildren were the light of his life. They will remember him through the memories of his funny stories, playing Tuc, and summer vacations at Lake Bull Shoals in Theodosia, Missouri. (It was Vic’s wish to have his cremains scattered over the lake). He is also survived by his brother, Doug Anderson (Joyce) of Cedar Creek, Nebraska, and their children.

Vic’s memorial service will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, November 11, at 10 a.m. with a visitation taking place at the same location on Wednesday, November 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for Des Moines Community Jazz Center Youth Programs in honor of Vic and his love for young musicians.

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