(Rural Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce has presented a second, Angel of Christmas Award this week. As we’ve previously mentioned, the award, sponsored by Cass Health, was first presented Wednesday morning at Cass Health, to Tom McLaren, for his inspirational posts on social media, and his prayers for people around the world, who request them. This (Friday) afternoon, Chamber representatives, CCHS CEO Brett Altman, and others gathered outside the house of Steve and Sue Andersen, about one-half mile north of the KJAN studios, to surprise the Steve with the Angel of Christmas Award. The Andersen’s were nominated Jon Jordan, Wellness & Lifestyle Director at WesleyLife Heritage House.

In nominating the couple, Jordan spoke of their civic and community spirit.

He said Steve is a vital member of the business community through his drinking water supply company, Crystal Clear, as well as his bicycle repair business, the Bike Farm. Jordan mentioned the Andersen’s have had more than their share of tragedy over the past couple of years. Steve’s dad died in late January, 2021. Less than 11 months later, the couples’ 20-year old son Avery died in an accident while on a delivery of water from the family’s business. And, on November 16^th of this year, a shed on the Andersen farm burned to the ground, destroying one of their delivery trucks and other property.

Through it all, Steve Andersen remained active in his church, volunteered on the Family Crisis Support Network Board of Directors and announces all of the home football games for the Atlantic Trojans. Sue Andersen was the driving force behind, and is President of, the Avery Andersen Foundation (www.averyandersenfoundation.org). Jordan said for those reasons and more, the award is well deserved.

Steve Andersen with his Angel of Christmas Award, presented by CCHS CEO Brett Altman, and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Steve Andersen was modest in accepting the award. He joked “I wish I could think of something profound to say.”

The anniversary of Avery’s death is coming up on December 23^rd, just days before Christmas. Steve said he and Sue will get through it together, because they have each other, and the experiences of others who grieve, to comfort them.

He said it’s hard to say what he and Sue did to deserve the award, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t grateful for the nomination, and for being selected. Steve said Tom McLaren was also deserving of the award, because of his prayers, not only for the Andersen’s, but for families around the world.