Obituary of Lee Gale Andersen

Lee Gale Andersen was born at the Andersen family homestead 12 miles north of Genoa, Colorado on September 18, 1932 to Edith and Iler Andersen. He passed away at his home on December 1st, 2016. Lee attended the Union School House from 1st grade through 6th grade. His sister Jewell was a teacher in Goodland KS, so he went to live with her and her family to attend 7th through 9th grades. In 1949, Lee followed Jewell and family to Fort Collins where he finished high school in 1951 as a FCH Lambkin. During this time, he met the love of his life, Shirley Elleen Cary. They were married on September 14, 1952. Lee and Shirley spent the first year of marriage living in Fort Collins while Lee attended Colorado A & M (CSU). During this time, Lee was on the college marksman team, earning accolades for his marksmanship. In 1953, Lee and Shirley moved back to the family homestead to start their family. To this union, four children were born: Steven Jay, Cary Lee, Erin Elleen, and James Iler. Later, 10 grandchildren were born: Tyler Johan, Lindsey Lee, Leigh Anna, Kyle Joseph, Layne Anders, Kelsey Elleen, Kaitlyn Ann, Auston Iler, Tayler Marie and Riley Shea. Lee’s love for guns continued throughout his whole life. He always joked that he was a “Picker” before “Picking” became popular, finding guns with history and building his collection. His passion for trapshooting was shared with his children and grandchildren, always enjoying a little Annie Oakley shooting competition at the family functions. While their kids were growing up, Lee and Shirley were involved in all their school and 4-H activities. Steve, Cary, Erin and Jim described their parents and childhood as ideal. The family spent their time with friends the Burgesses, Moldenhauers, Withingtons and Thompsons to name a few…making wonderful memories. Lee was a member of the Genoa United Methodist Church, served on the Board of the Cooper Clark Foundation, Genoa Lions Club, and the Winchester Collectors Association. After losing Shirley in 2005 to cancer, Lee stepped up to the plate to become the family pillar, and the heart and soul of the growing family. Many in-laws were added and then came 9 Great Grandchildren….and this is when the family saw a real transformation in the man they knew. The heart softened, and he became the Patriarch, attending each and every birthday party or celebration…enjoying every minute. Lee still actively farmed alongside his two sons, Steve and Jim and his grandson Tyler. He was very proud of the fact that 6 generations of Andersens had lived on the family farm. Lee is survived by his four children, son Steve and wife Susan of Arriba; Cary and husband Dennis of Longmont; Erin and husband Mike of Colorado Springs; son Jim and wife Mary of Limon; 10 grandchildren; 9 great children and two on the way; numerous nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends that loved him dearly; last but not least, his beloved dog Sheila. The 10 grandchildren are named as honorary pallbearers for his trip to “Heaven”.