Kai W. Andersen, 89, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, November 11, 1931, in Racine, WI, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Kai was the owner and operator of Phillip 66 gas station in Belleville, IL for many years and the founder of Belleville Holzschnitzers Wood Carvers. He was a founding member of the former Hope Church and a member of the St. Clair Lodge #24 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, Ainad Drum Corp., Moose Lodge # 1221. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Kai was a loving father and grandfather. He loved to camp and fish with his family and spend time with his dogs. He loved to tell stories and play pranks on everyone. He never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Laverna, nee Louis, Andersen
- Parents: Aage and Ida, nee Stryger, Andersen
- Sister: Elise Wall
- Special lady: Pauline “Rocky” Range
Surviving are his:
- Son: Michael Andersen of Lebanon, IL
- Daughter: Jean (Tim) LeMunyon of Littleton, CO
- Daughter-in-law: Phyllis Andersen of Swansea, IL
- Grandchildren
- Amanda (Devyn) Trampe
- Victoria LeMunyon
- Christina LeMunyon
- Great grandchildren
- Jonathan Coffer
- Lillie Trampe
- Brothers-in-law
- Bud Jr. (Nancy) Louis
- Jason (Ellen) Louis
- Sister-in-law: Diane Brown
- Nephews
- Brian (Carolyn) Wall
- Ben (Robyn) Wall
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Visitation: Visitation from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Monday, February 22, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL, with a walk-through of the Drum Corp at 7:00 pm followed by the Masonic Service at 7:30 pm.
COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, masks required, and social distancing. Please be respectful of time so others may pay their respects to the family.
Funeral: Funeral services at 11:00 am Tuesday, February, 23, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Sheets officiating. Live streaming can be viewed at www.facebook.com/KurrusFH at time of service. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
8 Comments To "Kai W. Andersen"
#1 Comment By Debra Wesolik Clifton On February 18, 2021 @ 6:03 pm
To the Andersen family,
I am so sorry to learn of Kai’s passing. I know he will be greatly missed by many. He was such a great person. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
#2 Comment By Bob Littrell On February 18, 2021 @ 6:54 pm
I got to meet him at the Mascoutah Homecoming a few years ago. He was a great guy and I didn’t know that was your Dad. I know we talked about him when we worked together. Small world. I know you will miss him and my prayers for you and your family.
#3 Comment By glenn walker On February 18, 2021 @ 9:57 pm
Deepest Sympathy
#4 Comment By Lynn (Hill) Sabo On February 19, 2021 @ 5:11 am
Kai was a very kind friend to my husband Charlie & I. He always enjoyed meeting at the Fairview Heights McDonalds with Charlie and Al Miller, I sometimes went too. I did take him to his eye Dr. appts. He will be missed by many.
#5 Comment By Marlene Kolbe On February 19, 2021 @ 9:52 am
It’s so difficult to lose a beloved family member. You have my sympathy. Your memories of him will be cherished forever.
#6 Comment By Ginger Miller On February 21, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
Kai was a wonderful person with a genuine, sincere and caring persona. I worked at Bell City Battery where Kai was a customer. We always looked forward to his visits and stories. He will be missed.
#7 Comment By michael reeb On February 27, 2021 @ 12:54 pm
Wonderful neighbor for over 35 years. Always enjoyed watching him with his various dogs over the years. Deepest Sympathy, Reeb Family
#8 Comment By Rick Hansen On March 2, 2021 @ 9:26 am
Hey Jean , Prayers and condolences from the Hansens , your Dad was a great man , he cared about this city , I know it’s tough , remember the good stuff!