Ira Jesse Andersen, loving husband and father of three children, was called by his Lord on Friday, October 25, 2019, at the age of 89.
Ira was born to Arla and Carl Andersen in Lyons, Nebraska, on November 3, 1929. Moving to Omaha, Nebraska at age 10, he later attended South High School, where he met his future bride, Ruth Clare Prem. They were married in 1949, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Ira trained as a licensed plumber; but by 1955 had advanced to a management position at Natkin and Company, then the largest mechanical contracting company in the world. In 1963 he was transferred to Iowa City, Iowa, where, after several years, he founded his own company, AAA Mechanical Contractors, which he ran successfully for over two decades. AAA Mechanical completed numerous major building projects for the University of Iowa, Proctor and Gamble, and Sheller-Globe, among others. Retiring in 1988, Ira and Ruth soon purchased a second home in Palm Springs, California, where they spent winters before moving there permanently in 2000.
Ira frequently applied his mechanical expertise and managerial talents to the betterment of his church. He was an Elder at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City. He helped oversee the church’s renovation and physical expansion, and was instrumental in the construction of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Iowa District East Offices. He served a similar role as head manager of the rebuilding and expansion of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Palm Springs. Ira was a grillmaster who won several awards for his delicious cooking, including being crowned Cookout King at both the Johnson County (Iowa) Fair and at the Iowa State Fair. He enjoyed creating meals for both small and large groups, including pit barbeque for the Boy Scouts, and at innumerable church functions. Ira was a founder of Iowa City’s “505 Melrose”, a pioneering drug treatment halfway house. He was an active member of the Lions Club for 50 years.
Ira’s generosity to others is reflected in the warm feelings his friends and neighbors share towards him. He will be remembered for the sense of responsibility and high ethical standards he brought to all his endeavors. He touched many lives, and will be greatly missed.
Ira is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Martin and Michael, daughter Ingrid Wulf, grandchildren Jessica, Ian, and Sean; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Elvin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Palm Springs California, and to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Iowa.