Dana Colette Weeda
October 30, 1975 - May 20, 2024

Dana Colette Weeda was born on October 30, 1975 to Danny Lloyd and Coletta (Todd) Weeda in the Mount Ayr Hospital. She was baptized on June 6, 1976 in the Tingley United Methodist Church where she was confirmed in 1989. Dana attended Mount Ayr Community Schools where she graduated in 1994. During her time in high school, Dana excelled not only academically but also in various extracurricular activities. She was a talented track athlete and even had the honor of throwing discus at the State Track Meet during her senior year. Additionally, Dana showcased her musical talents as a member of the choir and band. Her dedication and talent were recognized when she was selected for the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band in both her freshman and junior years. Furthering her education, Dana pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education at Iowa State University and proudly graduated in December 1998. Even during her freshman year in college, Dana continued to share her musical talents as a member of the Iowa State University marching band.

Dana led a remarkable life filled with passion and dedication, particularly towards her love for cattle. Her enthusiasm for Shorthorn cattle knew no bounds as she showcased Shorthorn heifers at various prestigious events including the county fair, Iowa State Fair, and National Junior Shorthorn Shows. One of her proudest moments was during the 1991 show season when she presented her cherished heifers, Baby and Maiser. Dana’s exceptional talent shone bright as she triumphed in 19 out of 21 Junior Beef Breeds shows with Baby and clinched the titles of Grand and Reserve Champion Shorthorn heifers at AK-SAR-BEN that same year. Her outstanding performance earned her fourth place overall in the heifer division of the Iowa Beef Breeds competition.

During her college years, Dana worked as the horse director at a Girl Scout camp. It was there that she crossed paths with Joshua Anderson, whom she later married on July 4, 2003. Together, Dana and Joshua were blessed with three beautiful children: Deanna, Quinn, and Vanessa. Dana cherished her role as a mother and took great joy in nurturing her children’s growth and being present for all of their milestones. She found immense happiness in their activities, specifically pedal pulls, tending to the animals on the farm, and sharing her passion for cattle and horses with her family.

Dana’s passion for teaching and supporting young minds was evident throughout her career. She resided outside of Glidden with her husband Josh, where she served as an Agricultural Education instructor and FFA advisor at Glidden-Ralston School from 1999 to 2010. In 2010, Dana transitioned to Denison Community School, continuing her role as an Agricultural Education/FFA advisor until health challenges intervened. Known for her unwavering dedication and genuine care for her students, Dana was a source of support and encouragement to all who crossed her path. Her commitment to cultivating a love for learning and empowering students to reach their full potential left a lasting imprint on the educational community.

Dana’s love for agriculture and education was evident in the numerous accolades she received, including Southwest District Young Member Ag Teaching Award and being recognized as the Iowa ACTE New Teacher of the Year in 2003. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom as she served on both IAAE board and FFA board, impacting the lives of many students through her guidance and mentorship. One of Dana’s enduring legacies was her role as the Iowa State Fair FFA Performance Beef superintendent for many years. She took great joy in sharing her knowledge and love for cattle with those around her, leaving an indelible mark on the agricultural community.

Dana passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Denison Care Center at the age of 48 years, 6 months, and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her father, Danny Lloyd; her paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Marry Weeda; and material grandparents, Leonard and Phyllis Todd.

Dana is survived by her husband, Joshua Anderson of Dunlap; her 3 children, Deanna, Quinn and Vanessa of Dunlap; mother, Coletta Weeda of Denison; brother, Sterling Weeda (wife, Julie) and their 3 children, Hannah, Dillon and Danny of Holstein; sister, Cinnamon Wulf (husband, Kyle) and their sons, Kolby and Karter of Kiron; special aunt, Karen Pettinger of Tingley; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Randy and Jean Anderson; sisters-in-law: Laura Anderson of Sioux City and Bethany Verburg (husband, Jess) and their children, Jordan and Aaron of Sheldon; brothers-in-law: Adam Anderson of Grand Junction, Colorado and Brian Anderson (wife, Caitlin) of Ames; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 30, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Denison, Iowa with Rev. Curt Copple and Rev. Mike Fillmore serving as officiants. Organist Patti Bekkerus will provide accompaniment for congregational hymns “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Recorded musical selections are “I Love You This Big,” “How Do I Say Goodbye,”  “A Thousand Years” and “Hallelujah.” Serving as pallbearers are Sterling Weeda, Kyle Wulf, Kolby Wulf, Dillon Weeda, Danny Weeda and Karter Wulf. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Tom Paulsen, Mike Sobotka, Tim Baughman, Brent Hanna. Bruce Jepson, JP Whittington, Chip Brundage, Adam Anderson, Brian Anderson, Alise Meyers, Amy Whittington, Debbie Paulsen, Brandi Boyd, Jolene Poyner, Jody England and Larissa Rupnow. Following the funeral service, the family invites everyone to the fellowship hall for lunch. Graveside Services will be held 4:00 PM, Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Tingley Cemetery in Tingley, Iowa. Following the burial, the family invites everyone to the Tingley Fire Station for a time of fellowship and lunch. Services are entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa.

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