Thatcher, Idaho -  David R Andersen, 76, lifelong resident of Thatcher, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.  David was born on May 4, 1947, to Ralph Andrew and Ida Ann Roper Andersen.  He was their middle child with two older brothers, Wayne R, and Dick R, followed by one younger brother, Johnny R, and one younger sister, Lois Ann.  David attended Thatcher Elementary and was a proud Grace High Red Devil.  He married Toni Jane Barthlome on November 15, 1975.  They loved living down in the valley and built their home and their family there.  They are the loving parents of one son, Justin David, and one daughter, Jennifer Lyn, and have six grandchildren who are his pride and joy.  He was their biggest supporter and loved nothing more than following them around to all of their activities.  David was an excellent carpenter, and his handmade gifts are something we will treasure forever.  He retired from Utah Power and Light and spent more time on the farm and ranch life which he loved.  He loved to break and ride horses and thought all of his grandkids needed one.  He was an adventurous cook who liked to try new things and could make anything out of nothing.  He collected coins of any kind and would show them to anyone who would sit still long enough to look at them.  He was truly the life of the party and loved a good prank or joke unless he was on the receiving end.

He is survived by his wife Toni Andersen, of Thatcher, Idaho; son Justin David (Sara) Andersen and their children, Payson, Brinlee, Bryson and Kaydree of Cleveland, Idaho; daughter Jennifer (Dan) Squires and their children, Emily and Corbin of Soda Springs, Idaho.  His siblings, Wayne (Annetta) Andersen of Mendon, Utah; Dick (Norma) Andersen of Thatcher, Idaho; Johnny (Sandra) Andersen of Pocatello, Idaho; Lois (Max) Christensen of Grace, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin sisters, nephew Brian Andersen, father and mother-in-law Keith and Phyllis Barthlome, brother-in-law Chris Barthlome, brother-in-law Randy Kunz, and nephew Jarred Orr.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m.at the Thatcher/Williams Ward Church in Niter, with a viewing before from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  There will also be a viewing Wednesday, October 11, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.at the same location.  Burial will be back down in the valley he loved at the Thatcher Cemetery.