Arthur Andersen

Arthur Andersen, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at his home in West Des Moines. Art was born in Blue Island, Illinois on September 13, 1939, to Robert and Louise Andersen. After living with grandparents and cousins during the war, Art and his parents moved to Nebraska, Florida, Texas, and finally back to the Midwest, where he spent the rest of his years.

He developed a passion for skeet shooting at a young age, becoming Nebraska State Champion at 12 years old, and was an active member of New Pioneer Gun Club until his later years.

He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Thanks to an alphabetical class seating chart, he met his future wife, Judy, whose maiden name was also Andersen. After earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1965, Art married Judy and shortly after was hired by Phillips Petroleum Company, which became his employer for 37 years.

He moved with Judy to Des Moines in 1967 and began raising a family. Every summer, he packed up the station wagon and headed with his wife and daughters to see natural and historical sights. Colorado became a favorite, and the family gathered there through the years, most recently to celebrate Judy’s 70th birthday.

Art valued his relationships. Many of his work colleagues became decades-long friends, and he made new friends wherever he went—at church, in the neighborhood, and through his activities. Until his last days, he regularly met his buddies for breakfast, and he never missed a daily FaceTime with his grandson León. Art and Judy also were fortunate enough to celebrate their 56th anniversary last July.

He was predeceased by his parents and infant sons, Eric and Andrew. Survivors include his wife Judy; daughters Sue (Steve Carroll) of Portland, Maine, and Anne (Tom Mondragon) of Edina, Minnesota; and grandchildren Jack, Sarah, and León.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265 or WesleyLife Hospice, 5508 NW 88th St., Johnston, IA 50131.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with visitation an hour prior to the service. After a luncheon, private burial will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

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