Jens J. "Joe" Andersen

Jens Joseph “Joe” Andersen, 87, passed away at 2:05 a.m., Saturday, September 16th 2023 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Joe was born in Bradgate, Iowa November 16th, 1935. He is survived by his grandchildren Tyler (wife Megan and son Bennett) Andersen of Riverside, Missouri, Nathaniel (Nate) Andersen of Kansas City, Missouri; brothers Jim (wife Janice and family) Andersen of Humboldt, Iowa, Andy (wife Peggy and family) of Greeley, Colorado, as well as many additional loved family members and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Jens Joseph Sr. and Fern Andersen, wife Patricia (Pat), son Kirk, and daughter Kelli, as well as brothers Ronnie, and Dennis (Denny).

Joe was the oldest of five boys, a tight-knit family, and had a brilliant mother whom he often credited being the inspiration for his business acumen. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1954, and had obtained a college scholarship for basketball. Ultimately however, he joined the army where he was stationed in Washington D.C. During his time there, he was most notably stationed as a guard for the tomb of the unknown soldier, as well as a guard for domestic and foreign dignitaries.

In 1954 Joe also married the love of his life, Patricia, whom he was married to for the remainder of her life - Though his love for her remains through death into infinity. After the Army, Joe and Pat lived in several cities throughout the following decades. Most notably: Humboldt and Atlantic City of Iowa, and Sedalia before making their final roots in the metropolitan area of Kansas City, all of Missouri. His two kids Kirk and Kelli were everything to him, and his pride stemmed from the desire to provide a wonderful and supportive life for them. Family in general was his purpose. If you needed anything, you call Joe. He was the person who would move mountains if you needed them moved. Joe exhibited true dedication to excellence, mastery of craft, curiosity, honor, and respect, as anyone who knew him would agree. Up until he began to experience symptoms of late-stage Parkinson’s, he would be up at 4:30 a.m. sharp, black coffee brewing, reading the paper, and getting prepared for the day - off days were not really his thing.

In business he was incredibly successful. Among many accolades including winning almost any sales completion he entered, he climbed his way up to being an executive regional sales director for Schwann’s/Red Barron. He built a close relationship with Marvin Schwann (founder and former CEO), and together, along with many other talented business leaders helped expand Schwann’s to all 50 states. He stated how grateful he was to work with a company which at that time gave him the opportunities and success he enjoyed. He officially retired from this career in the 1990’s.

He jumped into full-time grandpa mode at this point. He never missed a baseball game, birthday party, school concert, or dance. He also dedicated his time to his yard work - which was always impeccable. Driving by his house in Lee’s summit you would probably see him hand brush his grass to create perfect lines, scrubbing his driveway free of debris, or repainting something which required a 40 ft ladder. However, this “retirement” didn’t last long as he did not like to sit at home without a reason. This started his final career as a school-bus driver for the Blue Springs School District. Besides winning the cleanest bus award just about every year, he also had the unique opportunity to be the driver on his youngest grandson’s route (as the writer of this obituary, I Nate, his youngest grandson, am so grateful for the time I got to spend with him every day for years).

Even as he began to fade, his fierce independence, and stubbornness never did. He was always a trailblazer, go getter, and incredible role model. We the family are forever grateful for the gift of his love and support as a brother, father, grandfather, and friend. We gracefully ask that any donations be made out to a research institute of your choosing dedicated to Parkinson’s Research.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 28th at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt.  Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27th at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt.   www.masonlindhart.com