Rickey (Rick) Lee Andersen

Rickey Lee Andersen, 74, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023, after a brief battle with several major health issues. He was surrounded by his family.

Rick was born in Pocatello, Idaho on November 13, 1949, to Ann (Brown) Thomson and Leland R. Andersen. He was the oldest of six children.

In November of 1973, he married Barbra Jo Richardson. During their 28 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children that he cherished – Courtney, Todd, and Travis. He loved them dearly and was immensely proud of them. They were also blessed with several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He loved playing card games and spending time with them all. He would often sit back and just watch proudly – taking everything in and marveling at the family they created. Rick and Barbra were later divorced but remained the best of friends until his passing.

Rick enjoyed golf, fly fishing, floating the river in his drift boat, camping, and riding 4-wheelers. He loved to read and to learn new and interesting things, often diving deep into topics that grabbed his interest most. Rick always had a love of good music and enjoyed playing the guitar and trumpet. He was able to pass on his great taste in music to his three children, especially a love for all things The Beatles.

Later in life, he found his enjoyment in spending time with family and friends every day for coffee and lunch. He developed a stronger love for live music and enjoyed feeding his soul by spending his evenings listening to and supporting several local bands. He created deep and meaningful friendships and always looked forward to saving a table for his friends. His relationship with his brothers and sisters was important to him, and he always remained close to them. His favorite thing of all was riding his Harley, especially with his brothers.

Despite difficult circumstances growing up, Rick was an amazing father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, friend, and overall fantastic human being. He was a true gentleman – loyal and generous to all that he loved and all who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his son, Travis Andersen; brothers: Dennis and Robert Andersen; his father, Leland Andersen; and his mother, Ann Thomson. He is survived by his daughter, Courtney (Curtis) Ransom; son, Todd (Nikola) Andersen; brother, Neal (Bonnie) Andersen; sisters: Elisabeth (Ben) Murrell and Carla Summers; as well as many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends and family at 2:30 p.m., prior to the services. We invite all who loved our dad to join us. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

Many have asked how they can help at this time. We have set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses for those who would like to donate. https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-rick-andersen