Diane Andersen

Diane Marie Andersen, daughter of Alma and Howard Rasmussen, was born on June 11, 1939. She attended country school at Center Township through 8th grade; then went to high school in Harlan. She pursued her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse, attending nurses training in Wheatland in Oak Park, Illinois and then graduating from Jenny Edmundson. Diane worked at Children’s Hospital and was promoted to head nurse within only a few years. Later, she worked at Myrtue Memorial Hospital.
Diane married Emmert Andersen in 1967. Together they raised 3 sons, Scott, Kent, and Mark. After staying home to raise their children, Diane worked at Salem Nursing home until she retired.
She enjoyed shopping trips with her friends and time with her card club. Diane loved animals, plants, flowers, trees and being in nature. You never had to wonder what Diane was thinking. She was feisty and fun loving. She loved to share stories about her childhood, about all of the animals she took in, and her time at a dude ranch in Colorado. Diane was very creative. She loved to draw, shop, take pictures and to sew. Above all, however, were her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy!
As Diane’s health declined, she made her home in Avoca. She was so happy there. She and Emmert continued their weekly date night, going to church at Immanuel Lutheran Church, then meeting up with their friends for supper until very recently. Emmert continued to visit Diane often and looked forward to her calling, every night at 8:00.
Diane was preceded in death by her son, Scott, and her parents, Howard and Alma Rasmussen. She is survived by her loving husband, Emmert of Harlan, Iowa; sons, Kent (Chery) of Kirkman, Iowa and Mark (Michelle) of Kirkman, Iowa; grandchildren, Megan, Tyler, Taylor, Sam, Lindsey and Lauren; brother, Dean (Caren) Rasmussen of Broad Brook, Connecticut, other relatives and many friends.