DeEtte "De" C. Andersen

DeEtte Carol Andersen peacefully passed away with her family at her side on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. De was born on the 22nd of November 1934 and was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Andersen. Robert passed away earlier this year in February. They tied the knot shortly after graduating college in 1957 but had actually met in the sixth grade. They had been married for 68 years but devoted to each other for nearly 80 years. The day that DeEtte passed was Robert’s birthday, June 5th, and we believe that it was fate that De gave Rob his best birthday present ever as they are now together for eternity.

DeEtte was born the youngest to five brothers and sisters on a farm near Tilden, Nebraska, where she spent the majority of her childhood.  After losing her father at a young age she moved to Madison with her mother and two of her siblings. She eventually graduated from high school in 1952 and went on to graduate from Midland College with a Bachelor of Science in 1956; during her junior year was crowned homecoming queen. Later and after moving to Minnesota, she earned a master’s degree from the University of St Thomas in Minneapolis.

After marrying Rob, she taught high school in Omaha and supported the family as he finished medical school. Upon his graduation from Medical School they moved to Augsburg Germany as Rob was now a Medical Doctor in the U.S. Army. In 1963, they returned to the mid-west and put down roots in Plymouth, Minnesota. Rob became a general surgeon after completing surgery residency with the University of Minnesota. DeEtte found her calling by teaching special education in the Osseo School district for several years. She often spoke of her former students that would approach her several years later and thank her for all she did.

Both De and Rob were marathoners and distance runners, they both completed over 50 races that included The Army 10 Miler, The Marine Corps, Twin Cities, New York and Big Sur Marathons. At 55, both she and Rob completed The Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado Springs highlighted by the 5000 foot elevation ascent. In addition, the Minnesota winters gave them ample opportunity to take up cross country skiing which included 35 mile races, often placing high in their age group.

Because of her dedication to her students and her passion for running, DeEtte was nominated and selected to carry the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Games. She completed a half mile leg of the torch journey in Omaha as it made its way across the country to Salt Lake City. This was a proud moment for DeEtte, her family and all those that knew her.

DeEtte is survived by her sister LoGene Test, two sons, Romney (wife Melissa), Reik (wife Laurie), and her four grandchildren, Ryan, Rhett, Reagan and Layne.

DeEtte regularly attended Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota and then St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth before moving to Colorado Springs. 

There will be a memorial service at All Veterans Funeral and Cremation located at 1020 E Fillmore St, Colorado Springs, Colorado at 10:30 AM on Friday, 27 June 2025.

She will be interred with her husband, Robert, in the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs following the memorial service.