Avery's story
Avery Andersen was a 20-year-old junior at Iowa State University, studying meteorology when he died in a car accident near his home in Atlantic, Iowa on December 23, 2021. He was 62 days shy of his 21st birthday. If that were all there was to his story, it would be an incredibly sad story. But Avery’s story is one filled with joy, love, and enthusiasm. Avery squeezed every moment out of his 20 years on this earth. He gave his whole heart to everything that spoke to him, and he displayed this enthusiasm for everyone to see. Avery’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic. But nowhere did his light shine brighter than as a counselor at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. His love of the Lord was contagious and influenced those around him.
A 2019 graduate of Atlantic High School, Avery’s passion was music and performance. He was an active participant in musicals and band and loved to share his gifts. As a senior, Avery fulfilled a lifelong goal when he was selected as a member of Iowa High School Music Association’s All-State Chorus. He frequently sang the National Anthem at Des Moines Buccaneers games. Avery also was a proud Eagle Scout, having provided vehicle preparedness kits for young drivers.
Avery was born an Iowa State Cyclone. Avery’s lifelong passion for Iowa State led him to study meteorology at his beloved university. He was fascinated by storms and the science of weather from the age of three. Family and friends knew they could turn to Avery for a personal weather report at any time. He found his home in brotherhood and faith when he joined Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. In his free time at Iowa State, he was also an enthusiastic member of the Cyclone Hockey Pep Band.
