Gorden A. Andersen

Gorden Andrew Andersen, son of Stanley Christian and Laura (Nelson) Andersen, was born on the family farm near Pomeroy, Iowa, on March 11, 1923. The family later moved to a farm between West Bend and Rodman, where he grew up and spent his boyhood years. Gorden attended school in Rodman, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams, when he wasn't helping out with chores for his dad on the farm. Gorden graduated from Rodman High School in 1941. Following graduation, Gorden joined the United States Navy. He served as a Captain on an L.S. T. and spent much of his service time in the Philippine Islands. Upon returning from service, he met the love of his life, Ruth Marie Wilson, daughter of Raymond George and Lydia Margaret Wilson of West Bend. They enjoyed going to dances at the Plantation, Surf, and other ballrooms in the area. On May 7, 1947, Ruth and Gorden were united in marriage at the Little Brown church in Nashua, Iowa. They settled in West Bend to raise their family. Gorden went into business with his father-in-law, Raymond G. Wilson, and went on to own and manage Wilson's Hardware for 43 years. Gorden was a member of the United Methodist Church in West Bend. He had also been a member of the West Bend Chamber of Commerce and the volunteer fire department. Gorden was a 60-year member of the West Bend American Legion, and a member of the Palo Alto County and State Conservation Boards. Gorden enjoyed doing woodworking projects and caring for his garden. He also liked being outdoors paying golf, going fishing, and hunting. Gorden passed away Saturday, October 22, 2011, at the Ruthven Community Care Center after a full and happy life of 88 years.