Andy Viksne – 91

Andy Viksne passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at his home in Castle Rock, Colorado at the age of 91 years. Private memorial services were held at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel in Castle Rock, Colorado on Saturday, October 25th. A gathering of family and friends will take place starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 29th at Pape Funeral Home in Clinton, Iowa where a service will begin at 1:30.
He was born January 27, 1934, in Riga, Latvia, to Erichs and Erna Viksne. Upon completing his undergraduate work at Harvard University (AB), he graduated from the University of Utah (MS) in 1958 with a degree in geophysics. His career included work with Texaco, the Bureau of Reclamation – Department of the Interior, focusing on earthquake engineering related to dams, pipelines, and canals. His contributions included implementation of earthquake detection instruments, written reports, and papers for which he received recognition.
Andy was a kind, loving, and giving man who held a deep love for his family and close friends. He married Carol Jean Sorensen in 1984, and their marriage was a true testament of the phrase “until death do us part.” He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Andy enjoyed travel, cooking, the symphony, swimming, and golf, and remained loyal to his favorite Utah Utes. His intellect stayed with him throughout his life and he was an inspiration to those around him.
He is survived by his wife Carol of Castle Rock, Colorado; his sons: Michael (Val) of Folsom, California, David (Kris) of Elizabeth, Colorado; and his daughter Erika Viksne Foos (Shayne) of Centennial, Colorado; grandchildren: Tara McCarthy (Cody), Barrett Viksne, Alexandra Nelson (Erik), Ainsley Larson (Matt), Victoria Viksne (Joshua Knoble), Ian Newell, Michael Viksne (Sarah), and Aidan Newell; great-grandchildren Quinton McCarthy, Caden McCarthy, Atley Larson, Oliver Larson, and Evelyn Nelson. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Erichs and Erna Viksne, and brother-in-law and his wife, Bruce and Nan Sorensen
Donations in Andy’s memory can be made to the Eternal Rock Lutheran Church, 2 Phelps St., Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Andy will be laid to rest at Center Grove Cemetery in Clinton County, Iowa.