Obituary of Andrew S. Chen

Andrew Steven Chen was born in Taiwan on July 3,1950 and passed away peacefully in Iowa City on March 19, 2020. He rejoined, in love and peace, his beloved parents, Shintien and Lao-se; his beloved sisters Mary, Lucy, and Shuli; and his grandfather, whom Andrew had missed since childhood. Andrew is home again. Andrew is survived by his beloved children Matt, Jude, and Jon, and his grandson Jack. Andrew’s transition was helped and comforted by family, friends, caring doctors and nurses, and his faith in God. Andrew was born to a loving Catholic family shortly after World War II, when Taiwan was rebuilding from the devastations of the war. Andrew’s father worked for the local Catholic mission, while his mother grew produce and livestock to make ends meet. Andrew grew up with five sisters and four brothers. Despite their material challenges, the family sustained each other with love and faith. Andrew entered mandatory military service in Taiwan after finishing high school. Thereafter, he drove a taxi and started his own business in Taipei. Andrew moved to the United States in 1980 to make a better life for his family. He learned to become a skilled chef and owned his own restaurants, which required tremendous hard work and sacrifice. The stresses of entrepreneurship took a toll physically, but Andrew was tough. He once returned to work the same day after being badly injured at his own restaurant. Andrew later worked for Hy-Vee from 1998 to 2018 when he retired. There, he found a community of caring colleagues, friends, and customers, who Andrew cherished and appreciated. The outpouring of caring and support from the Hy-Vee family gave Andrew much comfort during his time at the hospitals. In his retirement, Andrew visited and reconnected with family in Taiwan. Andrew loved seeing his siblings, nephews and nieces, enjoyed local meals he remembered from his youth, and took long walks to see and hear the ocean. Andrew’s greatest pride and joy were his children. He wanted them to enjoy a much happier and more comfortable life than he had, and his hard work and challenges over the years have paved the way for them. Andrew was very well cared for at the Genesis Medical Center in Davenport and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. The skill and care of the many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals gave Andrew and his family much comfort. Andrew also very much appreciated the many blood donors who gave him additional time with family. A celebration of Andrew’s life with his family and friends will take place in the near future at a date to be announced, subject to travel and health considerations associated with Covid-19. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayanciha.com.