Final Salute

Harold “Bud” Lee Andersen, the son of Harold V. and Elsie C. Andersen, was born February 24, 1932, in Gray, Iowa, and died October 21, 2026 at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa, at the age of 94 years, 9 months and 3 days.

Harold was raised as a member of the Lutheran Church. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1950. After graduation he was employed with Franck Bros. He was so proud that this employment allowed him to become a United States Navy SeaBee. He served from January 16, 1952 until January 6, 1956. His significant achievement was becoming a First Class Petty Officer in 3 and a half years. His duty locations include, Chicago, IL for boot camp; Port Hueneme, Oxnard, CA; the US Naval Base in Subic Bay in the Philippines; and Adak, Aleutian Islands, Alaska.

On March 10, 1957, he was united in marriage to Darlene Francis Beard in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived in Long Beach, California and then later In LaHabra, California. He was employed in many trades while in California, but mostly in plumbing. He worked in several celebrity’s homes, including John Wayne’s. In 1969 they moved to Audubon, Iowa, where he continued his long career as a plumber, first at Andersen (Don) Plumbing, then Franck Brothers, Audubon Plumbing, and lastly Remsburg Service. Harold was very fond of Mark Remsburg. His plumbing career spanned over 60 years. Harold and Darlene owned and operated the Viking Inn at the Valley from 1983 to 1987 where he enjoyed being the bartender. Harold and Darlene enjoyed traveling across the United States and visiting family who lived in different areas of the country. Harold enjoyed playing cards, the dog and horse races. Harold was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Elmer and Bertha Beard; his sister Betty Newell and her husband Darrell Newell; his sister-in-law Violet Andersen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Survivors include his children Kandi Tague of Audubon, Iowa, Kimberley and husband Mitchel Johnson of Brayton, Iowa, Mark and his wife Christine Andersen of Bennington, Nebraska; his grandchildren Kyle Tague of Mascot, Tennessee, Kristine Tague of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Nickolas Johnson of Brayton, Iowa, Matthew Andersen of Shawnee, Kansas, Brittany and her husband Paul Simmons of Omaha, Nebraska, Justin and his wife Savannah Andersen of Omaha, Nebraska, Trace Andersen of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Meghan Andersen of Bennington, Nebraska, 7 great grandchildren and his brother Darrell “Arch” Andersen of Audubon, Iowa. As well as other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon with Pastor Sheryl Puderbaugh officiating.

Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

A luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall following the burial.

Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Hospice of the Midwest and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.