Rick Andersen

Dates

Obituary

Richard “Rick” Andersen, 75, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022, after a brave 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. A Celebration of Life remembering Rick will be held on Friday, May 13 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at The Lake House in Mitchell. Please wear bright, fun, and unique clothing, just like Rick would want! A private graveside service will be held at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Richard “Rick” Andersen was born on July 18, 1946, in Mitchell to the late Lyal and Eleanor (Rush) Andersen. He was preceded in death by his third wife, Sherry (Johnston) Sparrow (2018), his second wife, Marlene Dodd (2009), and his sister, Lynne Metcalf (2007).

Leading quite an eclectic life, Rick rode bulls in the rodeo, MC’ed banquets, owned and operated a mink ranch, was in the National Guard, and played the keyboard in a band. He worked as a teacher, spending the majority of his career at the Mitchell Middle School teaching 6th grade, where his students affectionately called him “Mr. A”. In 2001, he moved to The Villages in Florida, enjoying his retirement by golfing as much as possible, before returning to Mitchell in 2019.

Rick will always be remembered for his quick-witted humor, fashionable style, and impressive dance moves. He loved his McDonald’s quarter pounders, his western movies, Sassy (his long-time pup), and - more than anything - he loved his two boys, Chase and Casey Andersen.

He is survived by his two sons, his daughter-in-law, Sarah (Chase’s wife), and her daughter, Bella. He is also survived by his sister, Cindy (Don) Auch; his former wife, Lana Andersen; stepchildren, Robin (Scott) Page and Brad (Kelly) Dodd; step-grandchildren, Lynsey Waldman, Brian Page, Kevin Page, and Dominique Dodd; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a countless number of loving friends.

A portion of memorials will go to Parkinson’s Disease research.

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