Claude Andersen

Funeral services for Claude Andersen were held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating.

Casket bearers were Eric Andersen, Steve Andersen, Bob Elrod, and Ranae Janssen.

Interment was in the Herrick Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Claude was born in Burke, SD on May 25, 1949, to Adrian and Wilma Andersen.

Claude grew up in Herrick, SD and attended Herrick Grade School and Burke High School.

He worked in the bee industry for Herrick Honey Farms for many years before moving to Vancouver, WA in the early 1980s.

He worked for De Wil's Cabinets for 20 plus years, retiring in 2014 and moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and spent the next ten years with his brother Eric making memories and helping his brother with yard work and caring for the cats. He always had a smile on his face and met a lot of friends while out for his walks.

He loved the Pacific NW when he lived there, visiting Seattle, the ocean beaches and mountain camping with his sister's family.

Claude had serious health issues [epilepsy/seizures] his entire life; but you never heard him complain about it. It affected his coordination; but not enough to keep him from enjoying bowling. While living in Sioux Falls, Claude was able to pursue his favorite pastime, bowling. With the help and guidance of his good friends Bob Elrod and Ranae Janssen, Claude bowled in several leagues, and league bowling night was the highlight of his week.

He also enjoyed going to breakfast with his good friend LeRoy Frank; LeRoy could always be counted on to pick Claude up for breakfast at 7:21 a.m. Claude would always get excited when he would get a text from LeRoy for breakfast the next morning.

Claude was a sociable guy and would strike up a conversation with anybody. He always told people he was just a simple man of simple means and got some of his greatest joy just visiting with people.

He passed away on August 2, 2024, at home in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his brothers Stephen (Sharon), and Eric; one sister Shirley (Bob); nieces and nephews; great nieces; aunt Shelia Bowar; and a host of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and sister-in-law Sandy.