Jeff Andersen

On May 18th, 2022, Jeff Andersen made his way to the greener pastures in heaven.

Jeff was born on January 23rd, 1961, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Andrew G. and Eva Lee (Reynolds) Andersen. He attended Hart Lake Rural School for grades kindergarten through 8th grade, then Gordon High School for four years. After graduation, Jeff continued to work on the Andersen Ranch as a fourth-generation rancher. At age 23, Jeff, with his brother, Dan, began running the ranch together following the passing of their father. Jeff was an amazing roper, rancher, and all-around cowboy. He was a PRCA Gold Card Member and belonged to the Wyoming Steer Roping Association as well. Jeff placed at many rodeos over the years in steer tripping and calf roping events, including Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell, Nebraska. He enjoyed going to the National Finals Rodeo as an annual tradition that started many years ago with his father and brother. Jeff also looked forward to the yearly cattle drives between the Andersen and Reynolds Ranches. When Jeff was not horseback or working cattle, he enjoyed fishing and gardening. Jeff’s many dogs over the years were like his children, and he spent his whole life taking care of the animals and people whom he loved.

One of Jeff’s greatest titles in life was uncle. His nieces and nephews struggled to truly put into words the role he played in their lives, as Jeff poured an infinite amount of time and effort in every way possible. Building tree swings and forts with his tractor, daily yard baseball games, mouse hunting, taking the kids swimming, fishing, and to ropings were among a few of the ways Uncle Jeff made every day a kid’s dream. Although a tender heart and creative mind, he was not afraid to straighten you out when you were out of line!

Although Jeff achieved many accomplishments and had many hobbies in his life, what he reflected most on and repeated several times before passing was how much he loved his family and wanted them to all know. He was a loving brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, neighbor, and friend to everyone he met. An especially noteworthy person that Jeff took care of was his mother. He devoted a lot of time to caring for and helping her so that she was able to remain on the ranch, which she so loved, for many years. Jeff was always present for his loved ones when they needed him; no matter where you looked, Jeff was there with a helping hand, advice, or a quick joke to lift one’s spirits. Jeff had a very dry sense of humor and was full of classic Jeff one-liners that will continue to live on in his family and friend’s memories. Something Jeff often reminded his family when moving cattle or taking care of any task in life was that “It’s not a timed event.” It was always funny hearing this from a rodeo cowboy, but Jeff was a gentle and easy-going guy who believed in getting things done right the first time and not forcing an outcome. He knew both animals and people responded better this way, and that’s what made him such a great horseman and person. Jeff, we will miss you.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew G. and Eva Lee Andersen. Jeff is survived by his sister, Georgia Allison, and brother, Dan Andersen, both of Gordon, NE; aunt, Norma Burnham of Gordon, NE; nephews and nieces, Brady Allison (Anna Licking) and their children Shawna, AraLeigh, Kole, Rio of Gordon, NE; Holly Allison (Colt Bruegman) and their son Quin Bruegman of Wheatland, WY; Branden Andersen of Sioux Falls, SD; Hannah Coon (Alex) and their daughter Bailer of Scottsbluff, NE; Ciera Andersen of Lincoln, NE; and many cousins and dear friends.