"TO THE FAMILY OF Vicki if anybody has touched my life more it was your mom she meant the world to me ,playing cards (the famous made up games) watching days of our lives and many adventures i had with her my 30th birthday party bowling league working with her at Jansens boy that was a hoot but for those memories i have etched in my heart Vic you was a dear friend who was always there for each other even though we went our separate ways you still was my dear and loving friend and so was the kids i will never forget you fly with your golden wings and make sure you look up mom and Rex they would love to see you miss you my great freind till we meet again always Wendy Specht"
In loving memory of
Victoria Marie "Vicki" Andersen
May 15, 1951 - January 11, 2022
Victoria Marie Andersen, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away in the comfort & care of her four children in Columbia, Missouri on January 11, 2022. Vicki, as she was called her entire life, was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Stanley & Therese (Johanningmeier) Spielman. She attended Cherry Grove school until attending junior & high schools in Maquoketa, Iowa. On February 5, 1968, she married Harold C. Keeley in Jacksonville, Florida. The couple moved back to Maquoketa for the birth of their first child in early 1969, but returned to Florida until late 1970. They moved to Marshalltown, Iowa and Vicki resided there until 1991. Throughout her years in Marshalltown, she was a homemaker (as she famously said her "June Cleaver Years") did extensive volunteer work, enjoyed entertaining guests & hosting parties, having lunches with friends & traveling, was a Girl Scout leader, and a member of several boards & committees within the community including Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and the T.T.T. philanthropic sorority. Proudly, energetically, lovingly and flawlessly, Vicki raised her four children as a single mother, going to college and earning an associates degree from Marshalltown Area Community College. She worked for Mid-Iowa Community Action, first as a direct service provider and eventually promoting several times into a leadership role. Her impact with MICA transformed the lives of thousands of individuals & families during her tenure. She moved back to Maquoketa in 1991 and continuing to follow her heart for serving others, began working at DAC, Inc. Again, beginning in a direct service position, but promoting into a leadership role until retiring in 2012. In 2000, she married Richard L. Andersen and he preceded her in death in 2015. She and Rich were the epitome of peas in a pod. They enjoyed going to the movies, playing cards, visiting with friends, dining out & attending live performances, traveling & just simply being at home together. But by far, their favorite pastime was anything with family, most especially their Grandchildren!
Vicki honored Rich's memory by giving two full measures of extraordinary love to each of them every chance she could. If she wasn't able to attend their sporting events & activities, she would share about them to whoever she could. One of her all time most favorite things was a 'slumber party' with whoever could stay the night in her cozy home she loved so much. In recent years, she had reconnected with several high school friends. She cherished many luncheons, impromptu reunions & gatherings, including a surprise 70th birthday celebration for her. Vicki was up for just about anything, found the humor in everything, her quick wit was matched only by her over-the-top generous spirit and will live forever in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to meet up with her.
She is survived by her children Bridget (Brian) Canaday of Columbia, Missouri, Raquel (Kyle) Clausen of Bellevue, Iowa, Nicole (Mike) Olsen of Maquoketa, Iowa and Chip (Jennifer) Keeley of Clarinda, Iowa. Her most cherished grandchildren Josh (Casey), Haley (Alex), Allison, Dawson, Jack, Maddalyn, Keeley, Greyson, Kelsea (Brian) & Ashlea and great-grandson Royce. Her sister, Sally (Bill) Schroeder of Ankeny, Iowa. And her "Cuzzie" Jeanne (Paul) Hampton of Dubuque, Iowa. She is preceded in death by Harold (in 1984) and her parents. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 19th from 4-7pm under the direction of Carson Celebration Of Life Center in Maquoketa. A funeral service at 11:00am, followed by her favorite luncheon, will be held on January 20th at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa with Pastor Neil Harrison presiding. For those wishing to make a donation in her honor, contributions can be made to one her favorite causes, St Judes Children's Research Hospital or to a Memorial fund established by her children to intern her ashes at a later time.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Through the loss of my mother Gloria 2019, I was able to reconnect with my long lost cousins Sally & Vicki. I?m so happy l was able to visit Iowa again September 2021. My deepest sympathies to her children, grandchildren and to Sally. I enjoyed her lighthearted spirit and sense of humor. Wish l had known her longer. Ann Walcher"
"Love to Vicki's family, I know she will leave a big hole in your hearts. As a high school friend and cousin to Harold, I will miss Vicki's humor. She could make me laugh with her audacity and witticism. I will miss Vicki."
"She was a lot of fun to work with over the years "
"So sad to hear this. Vicki and I had many great memories of our times spent working together at DAC. She was a great lady and had a passion for taking care of others. Thinking of all of you and sending hugs. So sorry for this tremendous loss-she was so proud of all of her kids and grandkids."
"My Deepest Sympathy to her Family "
"I am so blessed to have met and be a part of Vicki and her family's life for the last 20+ years. I will miss her sence of humor, and I will always remember how much I enjoyed being in her larger than life presence. ?"
"I was so lucky to have you for a friend Vic. I will miss our visits and adventures. Glad you are with Richie again. Love you"
"Thinking of you at this sad time."
"IF MY MOM WERE A FLOWER by Bridget Canaday in honor of Victoria (Vicki) Andersen Born 5-15-1951 Dubuque Iowa Died 1-11-2022 Columbia Missouri If my mom were a flower, she would be a rose, no doubt. Beautiful yes, but her wit & humor as sharp as the thorns If my mom were a tree, it would be any tree that was sturdy & true. Giving of herself until there was nothing left to give, generously sharing every single leaf and branch and bit of shelter. If my mom were an element, she would be water. Always welcoming refreshment when you are in her presence and cleansing your body & spirit in conversation & laughter. If my mom were here, I would bring her a cup of coffee and talk. I would say, you know, with you being born in the 50?s & me in the 60?s, we?re more like besties than mother-daughter, you know? And she would agree and say ?how lucky are we?? And I would hug her and tell her I love her and that she was an amazing mom. The very best in the business??"
"Sad,love you guys!"