Obituary of Dean Andersen

Dean Andersen passed away, January 12, 2024, in Olympia, Washington.  He was born August 16, 1938, to Alber and Lillian (Wuttke) Andersen in Tacoma, Washington. 

 

Dean attended schools in the Washington cities of Steilacoom, Cheney, and Medical Lake, and graduated from high school in Sedro Wolley, Washington.  He continued his education at the University of Washington for his BA degree and Pacific Lutheran University for his MA degree.  He returned to UW for a Certificate on Aging (CPA) and also took various classes at South Puget Sound Community College.

 

Dean worked at various jobs before he settled in his career with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.  Some of his early jobs were taxi driver in Seattle, and orderly at Seattle’s Queen Anne Hospital, Seattle General Hospital, and Grays Harbor Community Hospital.  After retirement, he worked as Disaster Director for Carmel, California; as co-manager for Holiday Retirement Communities; and 2010 and 2020 census taker.

 

He had many hobbies.  Dean was a great card player, learning to play pinochle as a preteen; was WB7EJO ham radio operator; and was involved in square dancing for 30 years.  His volunteer work included 15+ years with the Red Cross; president of a school for disabled children (Progress Center); 21 years at Olympia/Lacey Amtrak Station; five years as a docent for National Parks on the long-distance trains from Seattle to Portland or Shelby, Montana; and 15+ years as a 4-H goat club leader.

 

Dean married Bobbette “Bobbe” Watters on May 28, 1960, in Montesano, Washington.  They had two children, Kimberly Ann “Kim” and Courtland Alber “Corky.”

 

Dean was a loving husband, father, partner, and friend.  He was also a good listener and had a great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife and daughter, and predeceased by his son, parents, and brother.

 

Services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, 12:37 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

 

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