Sheldon J. Andersen

Sheldon James “Jim” Andersen, 81, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, at Careage Hills. He was born on September 29, 1942, to Sheldon Ralph and Ilene (Salmon) Andersen. He grew up in Webb, Iowa, and graduated in 1962. Following graduation, he attended art school in Omaha, Nebraska.  

After art school, Jim eventually relocated to Cherokee and began working at Wilson Foods, where he was employed for over 35 years. At work, he was known for his stellar checkers game and was dubbed the “checker champ” by many of his coworkers. He also didn’t abandon his artistic talent and had fun drawing cartoons or pictures for his coworkers. Jim spent his free time painting and making signs for many local businesses and enjoyed wood carving and making intricate works of art.   

Jim met his future wife, Gloria, at a dance in Cherokee. They were married on March 5, 1983, in Cherokee. Through this union, he gained two stepdaughters whom he raised and loved as his very own. As a family, they liked to go camping in Yankton, South Dakota-well everyone except Gloria! Jim also loved to go fishing, hunting and frequent garage sales. He especially loved playing Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, where he could impart much of his knowledge! Singing and dancing were a love of Jim’s, and he often made up his own lyrics to many songs. Jim and Gloria never missed a wedding dance, and Jim was especially known for his moves on the dance floor! He was an animal lover and, at one point, had five dogs, who were treated as family members. It wasn’t unusual to see his favorite dog, Pokie, riding shotgun in the front seat of his truck.   

Preceding him in death were his parents, Sheldon and Ilene, sister Teresa Stoner, and many beloved pets.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Cherokee; daughter Julie (Shane) Miller and their children, Michael, Evan, and Macy of Sioux City, IA; daughter Jennifer (John) Lang and their son, Jacob of Altoona, IA; as well as many extended family members.  

Jim was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.