Doris Ann Andersen

Doris Ann Chesley Andersen, of Cozad, NE, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, April 23, 2023, at the Cozad Hospital at the age of 87. Doris and her husband Steve, have been residents at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad for the past 5 years.  

 Doris was born on April 2, 1936, in Grand Island, NE to Earl and Stella (Cruickshank) Chesley. Their family moved to Central City in 1941, where she was active both academically and in various athletics. She loved the support she received from her parents and 3 protective brothers. After graduation in 1954, she attended Kearney Teaching College where she received her 2-year teaching certificate. Her first job was in Cozad teaching 5^th grade. She was continuously thrilled when she came across any of her students while out in the community. As a young teacher, one evening she and her girlfriends were enjoying bowling in Cozad, when local boy Steve Andersen outwardly admired her left-handed bowling skills. The rest is history.  

Steve and Doris were united in Marriage, August 3, 1958 on a hot summer day in Central City. They resided in both Kearney and Lincoln, to complete Steve’s education before settling in Arapahoe where they began their family with son Greg and daughter Jennifer. Shortly after, they moved to Denison, IA where Susan was born, and 4 years later they moved home to Cozad, to raise their family with the support and love of Steve’s parents, MG and Dorothy Andersen.

In 1971, with the encouragement and support of several local businessmen, Steve and Doris joyfully opened Andersen Studio, where together they worked side by side for 36 years. It was at Andersen Studio that Doris thrived as she loved serving and connecting with customers and their families. To this day, our family loves the stories we are told about their experiences through school, sports, activities, and wedding pictures that were taken.

Throughout her life, Doris was committed to teaching. She was involved with Girl Scouts, assisted with activities at the Cozad State School and enjoyed teaching Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church. In addition to singing in the Church Choir, she participated in Presbyterian Women, the PEO Sisterhood Chapter IB, and the Cozad Community Concert Series. She discovered great joy supporting and mentoring young people through the local Teammates program, where her relationship with a young Alexandra Brown enhanced both their lives.

Family was always first to Doris. She is survived by her loving and doting husband, Steve, of almost 65 years.  Amazing son Gregory Jon of Oxford, and daughters Jennifer and Jim Smith of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Susan and Scott Kuhlman, of Cozad.

Doris will be most dearly missed by her amazing grandchildren, Ellen and husband Kevin Cunningham of Bloomington, MN, Audrey Kuhlman of North Platte, and Matthew Smith and Stephen Smith of Highlands Ranch, CO.  Her only great grandchild, Henry Cunningham was a special joy this past year for Doris and our entire family. 

She leaves behind her youngest brother Dean and his wife Ann Chesley, of Columbus, along with many special nieces and nephews who have always held a special place in her heart.

Doris is preceded in death by her father and mother, Earl and Stella Chesley, and older brothers and their wives, Billy and Earlene of San Jose, CA and Dale and Margaret of Plattsmouth, NE.

Memorials are suggested to the local Cozad Chapter of TeamMates. Celebrations and stories may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Doris’s wishes were to be cremated. The service of celebration will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Cozad Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jill Boyd presiding. A private family inurnment will be held prior to the service at Cozad Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 4-6pm with family present, at Berryman Funeral Home.