Mrs. Kathleen (Kitty/Kit) Andersen

Mrs. Kathleen (Kitty/Kit) Andersen

Whew, what a ride!

I was born near Hurley, SD on November 28, 1944 to James (Pat) & Iona Bondesen, joining an older brother James (Jimmie). We lived near Spring Valley until I was 4, then moved to Montrose, SD. Life was good. But without checking with me first, my family decided to move back to Hurley while I was in elementary school. Good thing they did because this is where I met the love of my life. I’ll get to him in a second.

In high school I was in a bunch of things and crowned homecoming queen. I went on to General Beadle college in Madison, SD to earn a degree in education. I continued on the pageant circuit as well, being crowned the first Miss General Beadle and earning a place in the Miss South Dakota pageant. So yes, I’m a literal trophy wife but so much more.

On July 16, 1967 I married the love of my life, Lowell Andersen (I told you I’d get back to him). We bought his family’s farm east of Hurley, along the Vermillion River and this became our long-time home.

Lowell and I have three beautiful daughters. Wendy (Elden) Rand, Cindy (Darren) Matthes and Darcy Andersen. We have four wonderful granddaughters, Maren, Kate, Maddie, and Sophia.

I was an elementary school teacher for 34 years. Parker (2), Hurley (2), Chancellor (25) & Tea (5). Fun kids but man, did some of them try to challenge me! I did my best to see the good in every single one and I loved every single one.

Not one to sit idle, along with being a wife, mother, teacher, and farmer, I also took on roles as Sunday School Superintendent at the Hurley United Methodist Church, sat on negotiation boards for school, president of the county extension board and a bunch of other stuff I’m sure I’ve forgotten in my old age. Plus hobbies like baking, gardening, etc.

Kitty is preceded in death by her parents & parent in-laws.

She is survived by her loving husband Lowell, 3 daughters, Wendy (Elden), Cindy (Darren) & Darcy, all in Sioux Falls. Granddaughters Maren, Kate, Maddie & Sophia. Brother Jim (Marilyn) Bondesen, Hurley.  Brother-in-laws Chuck (Linda) Andersen, Hartford, Dick (Marlys) Andersen, Parker, beloved nieces, nephews & great nieces & nephews, her dog Oklahoma Thunder & a wonderful host of close family friends.

While I don’t like to sit idle, that dang Parkinson’s disease sure did try to slow me down. Fine, I slowed down, but I still wanted to be independent, so I put on a good long fight.

I’ve loved and cherished so many people through the years.

Go on to be bold, be you and most importantly be kind.

A riggedy jig and away we go!

Celebration of her life will be 10:00am Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Hurley United Methodist Church, with burial in the Hurley Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 Friday evening at the church, with prayer and sharing time at 7:00.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to an elementary school teacher or monetary donations will be compiled for the Heifer Project.