Madeline Edna Andresen

Madeline E. (Mrs. Eugene) Andresen, 91, died Friday afternoon, October 20, 2017, at the Alverno Health Care Facility, Clinton.

Madeline Edna Andresen was born June 30, 1926, near Welton to Earl and Martha (Wagner) Thomas. She attended Welton school until 1936 when the family moved to DeWitt.  Madeline attended Unity Country School for two years and then attended St. Joseph School, DeWitt graduating Valedictorian of her class. Following high school, she went to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend a trade school.  Madeline then moved to Dayton, Ohio, and worked for the Air Service Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base until the war was over at which time she moved back to DeWitt.  On August 21, 1946, Madeline was united in marriage to Eugene Andresen at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, a double wedding they shared with longtime friends, Barb and Jerry Trimble. The couple farmed near Elvira for over 45 years and raised their family of eight children.  In retirement they moved to DeWitt.

She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt since 1936 and the Altar and Rosary Society. Faith, family and friends were of utmost importance to her. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing cards, cooking, gardening, and canning. Madeline was known for her wonderful homemade cinnamon bread and potato salad.

Surviving are her loving husband of 71 years, Gene; children, Gloria Heiar of Bryant, Sandi (Dave) Deke of DeWitt, Mary Jo (Allan) Behrens of Clinton, Bill (Corina) Andresen of DeWitt and Lynn Andresen of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Tim (Megan) Heiar, Lisa (Matt) Roth, Tracy (Greg) Elis, Chris Deke, Heather (Todd) Kinney, Ryan (Betsey) Behrens, Michelle (Steve) Lange, Cody (Desiree) Schumacher, Nate Andresen, Zack Andresen, Noel (Chris) Paterson and Wyatt Andresen; 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Preceding Madeline in death were sons, Joey, Bobby and Ronnie and brothers, Loren, Cleo and Donald and sisters, Loretta, Monica and Leone.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2017, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2017, in the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Altar and Rosary Society, Mercy Hospice, and the Carmelite Monastery of Eldridge.

Pallbearers will Tim Heiar, Chris Deke, Greg Ellis, Matt Roth, Todd Kinney, Jacob Ellis. Josh Ellis and Ryan Behrens. Honorary pallbearers will be Heather Kinney, Tracy Ellis, Lisa Roth and Michelle Lange.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt is caring for the arrangements.