Rupert F. "Andy" Anderson was born on July 11, 1916 to Edward Anderson and Hilda Anderson in Carney, Iowa where his father was a coal miner. He died on July 2, 2014. Andy graduated from Slater High School and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. He was office manager of Zoller Brewing Company before joining the Navy in 1943. Upon returning to Des Moines from San Diego where he was stationed in WWII, he joined Anderson Erickson Dairy and was office manager until his retirement.

Andy married Harriet Johnson in 1937 and they celebrated their 76th anniversary in May. He is survived by his wife Harriet, their daughter Corinne Whitlatch, grandson Kirk Whitlatch and spouse Kimberly, granddaughter Amy Gillum and spouse Charles, great grandchildren Haley and Leah Whitlatch and Hunter and Rose Gillum, sister in law Ellen Miles, second cousin Marcus Anderson, and nieces and nephews.

Andy and Harriet raised and showed boxer dogs and were active in the local and national Boxer Club and American Kennel Club. They opened Vista Kennels in 1950 under Harriet's management. The kennel has operated continuously with management shifting to their grandson. Andy was a self-taught handyman; he built the original kennel from WWII wooden ammunition boxes.

He was on the West Independent school board and was involved with the consolidation that created Southeast Polk School District. A master gardener, he tended his own vegetable and flower gardens until he was 94 years old. Andy was active with The Men's Garden Club and four of his photos were selected for Men's Garden Club of America calendars. He was also a gifted wood carver of boxers and cows. Since his boyhood, Andy was an avid hunter and fisherman until his eyesight failed. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.