Obituary of John "Bunny" Vesti Andersen, Jr.

John “Bunny” Vesti Andersen Jr., a proud WWII Navy veteran, passed away July 11, 2022 in Iowa City. He was 98 years old, lived alone and continued to drive himself regularly. A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16th beginning with a visitation at 10:30 and a memorial service following at 11:00 am. The celebration will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (2675 E. Washington Street, Iowa City 52245). There will be a light luncheon following. John was born February 2, 1924 in Correctionville, Iowa, the son of John and Maren (Nielsen) Andersen. Mr. “A” was a long time band director and music teacher. Throughout John’s life his love of music, God and country played a leading roll. John and his wife won numerous competitions in dance for the jitterbug and he continued to play saxophone in the church band until the age of 96. John was a natural conversationalist, he never met a stranger and enjoyed getting to know everyone. He had a great sense of humor that put those around him at ease. First and foremost, John loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and board games the most. He took the family on many vacations, taking them to points of historical interest throughout the United States, a country that he was so proud of. John enjoyed playing golf. He was an avid Hawkeye fan and loved watching the Hawkeyes play. He was a football season ticket holder for over 40 years and had the honor of being Veteran of the Game in 2016. John didn’t just limit Iowa sports to football, women’s basketball was also a large part of his life. No matter the sport, he just enjoyed cheering them on. Mr. Andersen’s life left a lasting legacy of lessons and memories that will be carried by all who love him. John’s family include his cherished children, Pamela Jo Wartick (Vance), John Vesti Andersen III (Dawn), and Michael Kohli (Steve); grandchildren, Jason Michael Wartick (Tricia), Tyler John Andersen (Kristen), Abbie Marie Andersen, Ashlynd Vesti Jones (Brad); great grandchildren, James Michael Wartick, Maggie Rose Wartick, Samuel John Wartick, Andy Marie Andersen, Anders Craig Jones and Nash Steven Jones; and several nieces. Sadly, John is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Herma; siblings, Moss Andersen, Whitey Andersen, Richard Andersen and Norma Jean Glassburner, and son-in-laws Vance Wartick and Steve Kohli. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The John Andersen Memorial Fund. Please continue to keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this season of life.