Richard Charles Anderson

Richard Charles “Rich” Anderson, 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, was born on December 22, 1953, at Winterset Hospital in Winterset, Iowa, to Charles M. Anderson and Florence M. (Black) Anderson. He passed away on March 7, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines after a long and courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. Throughout his illness, Rich remained a fighter and an unwavering optimist.

Rich grew up in St. Charles, Iowa, and attended Interstate 35 Community School, where he excelled as a four-sport athlete. He graduated in 1972 and went on to Simpson College in Indianola, where he played baseball and basketball for the Simpson Redmen, earning his degree in 1976. During his youth, he worked summers for Kephart Construction, helping build nursing homes across central Iowa. In 1977, he and his longtime friend Bill Seibert traveled to San Francisco, an adventure that led Rich to settle in California. There he began a 49-year career in the insurance industry with St. Paul Fire and Marine, specializing in construction insurance. His work later took him to Kansas City for four years and then to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent more than four decades building strong professional relationships and lifelong friendships. Even after the company’s acquisition by Travelers, Rich continued to advance, ultimately serving as Business Development Director for Construction.

Two great passions defined Rich’s life: his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and his happy place, Las Vegas. A devoted season-ticket holder, he traveled faithfully from the Twin Cities to attend Iowa football and basketball games, both home and away, and was present at numerous bowl games through the years. He rarely missed a wedding, funeral, or graduation of family and friends. When not cheering for the Hawkeyes, Rich could often be found in Las Vegas enjoying video poker, golf, and the company of many dear friends. Wherever he went, he quickly formed lasting bonds and left a memorable impression on those around him.

Rich is survived by his sisters, Karen Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sheryl North of Oskaloosa, Iowa; his nieces and nephew, Erica Sorrick of Raymore, Missouri, Dr. Dave North, Jr. of Oskaloosa and his wife Laura, Deidre Anderson-Barbee of Jefferson City, Missouri and her husband Stephen, and Dr. Steffany Mohan of Clive and her husband Dr. Mike Mohan. He will also be lovingly remembered by his dear friend Bill Seibert and wife Mary, his cousins, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and a wide circle of friends and extended family whose lives he touched.