Curtis A. Anderson

Curtis A. Anderson, 76, of Garner, a man who could fix just about anything with a wrench, a smile, and a stubborn streak, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, surrounded by family who adored him.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Miller with Pastor Doug Snyder officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. Military rites will be conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4^th St., Garner. In true Curt fashion, friends are encouraged to share a story, a laugh, or a toast in his honor—preferably with some chips and salsa or chocolate chip cookies nearby.

Curt was born on June 16, 1949, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, raised on a farm, and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1967. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. Curt’s pride in his service never faded—he spent countless hours supporting veterans, placing flags each Memorial Day, and serving as past Commander of both the VFW and American Legion. Duty, honor, and hard work weren’t just words to him—they were how he lived.

On July 14, 1973, Curt married the love of his life, Shirley Helgren, from Thompson, Iowa. The two were married for 52 years and built a life full of grit, love, and laughter. They settled on a farm outside Garner, Iowa, where Curt farmed for many years - eventually hanging up his farm overalls and, as Shirley would describe, “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farmer out of the boy.” Curt went on to work various jobs over the years - most notably for the City of Garner in the Public Works Department for 21 years, where he earned a reputation as the guy who “got stuff done”. No job was beneath him, and he tackled each task—big or small—with the same steady hands and humble pride that defined his life.

Curt was also devoted to his faith and his church family. For 30-plus years, he served faithfully on the church council as treasurer. Curt and Shirley raised three children: Nathan, Melissa, and Amanda. Curt was a hands-on dad who taught by example—through hard work, loyalty, and a quiet sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, tinkering in the yard or shop, being outdoors, and getting his grandkids into mischief. Sitting still wasn’t his strong suit—but when he did finally take a break, you could bet there was a John Wayne movie or something on the GRIT channel playing in the background. Curt’s simple joys said a lot about him: a plate of chocolate chip cookies, a nightly bowl of chips and salsa, and the company of those he loved most. His hands were calloused, his heart was big, and his word was solid.

Curt is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Anderson; their children, Nathan (Luz) Anderson of Altoona, Melissa (Nate) Noland of Bondurant, and Amanda (Andy) Braun of Altoona; his grandchildren, Kristian and Wesley Anderson, Christopher and Carissa Noland, and Walter and Anderson Braun; four great-grandchildren, Brayden and Beckham Anderson, and Oliver and Veronica Noland; his brother, Gene (Irene) Anderson; a brother-in-law, Harlan (Debi) Helgren, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Arvilla Anderson; in-laws, Ernest and Beverly Helgren; and brothers-in-law, Palmer and Edward Helgren.