Charles Wilbur "Swede" Andersen was born on May 27, 1927 in Kiowa, Colorado to Sigrid and Andrew Andersen. He attended Lost School and Kiowa High School in Colorado, then graduated from Northboro High School in Iowa in 1945. After high school, Swede farmed and milked cows with his brother Gordon until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War from 1950-1952. He attended basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and served in Honolulu, Hawaii as a member of the Military Police.

After military service, Swede returned to farming and milking 60 head of cows a day. On June 21, 1964 he married Arlene Saye and raised her son Steve as his own. Swede and Arlene had a daughter, Shelley.

Swede's lifetime passion was farming and raising livestock. He liked to travel, visiting his home counties in Scandinavia, also France, Hawaii, Canada, Alaska and Central America. Swede also enjoyed a good conversation with family and neighbors.

Swede passed away peacefully on his farm on April 2, 2010. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and brother Gordon. Surviving family are his wife, Arlene of Northboro, IA; son Steve, daughter Shelley, daughter-in-law Pam Saye, son-in-law Scott Wedergren, grandchildren Dash and Scarlett Wedergren, all of Omaha, NE; sister Marilyn Hansen of West Des Moines, IA; and nieces and nephews.

Swede lovingly cared for the Walden Grove Cemetery for nearly 25 years, a place where he will now rest. Memorials may be directed to the Walden Grove Cemetery.