Niels Andersen

Niels Andersen, 88, a longtime community activist in Cedar Springs, died last Wednesday at the Grand Rapids Home for the Veterans.

Friends here in Cedar Springs remember him for the active role he took in shaping the community. The newspaper business was in Niels’ blood, and before moving here and taking over the Cedar Springs Clipper, he owned the News-Record in Dalton, MA. He also was publisher and editor of the Rockford Register, Sparta Sentinel, and the Cedar Springs Bugle.

If there was a job to be done, you could be sure Niels would have a hand in making it happen. President of the Chamber of Commerce, founding member of the Cedar Springs Historical Society, Creative Technologies Academy, and president of Rotary are just a few of the things Niels was involved in.

“He loved being a mover, a shaker, a doer, an accomplisher – that might not be a word – you know what I mean,” said daughter Karen Meier at his funeral. “He DID things—lots of things—lots and lots of good things. And because of that my Dad is my hero. His life, the way he lived it, the way he dashed into each new day knowing it was a gift to be used in some great and good way, THAT is what inspires me. Always has, always will.”

Niels is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna; and three children, Soren, Beth and Karen. Click here for a complete obituary.

Niels left behind a community full of memories. And next week, we will be paying him a full tribute in our Veteran’s Day issue, since both he and Edna both served during World War II. Do you have a favorite memory of Niels? If you do, please email it to us at news@cedarspringspost.com, or drop it off in our office by Monday, November 8. We’ll publish them as space allows.