Willard Pete Androes went to his eternal home with Jesus, on Sept. 25, 2020, after a brief time in Hospice Care at his home.
Willard was born Nov. 9, 1933, in Newton, to Peter Paul and Margaret Koehn Androes. Willard was raised on a farm north of Elbing, where he learned how to work hard from an early age. This work ethic followed him throughout life.
He attended Berean Academy where he met his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Spencer. Willard married Kathleen, daughter of Lee A. and Dorothy Spencer, on Nov. 8, 1951. Together, they had two children, Deborah Kathleen and W. Bradley.
While in Kansas, he was employed with Kit/Road Ranger Manufacturing for more than 30 years. Willard began as a service/field representative and over time, he worked in sales and in various management positions. His construction skills enabled him to take on many odd jobs and home renovations, long before they were in vogue.
After moving to Rogers, Ark., in 2003, Willard worked for Rollins Funeral Home and Glore Company, Incorporated. He never wanted to retire and always liked to keep busy. So many knew him by his firm handshakes, his big bear hugs, his mischievous smile, his sparkling blue eyes and his quick wit.
Throughout his life, Willard was a man of integrity and great faith, with a deep love of God and family. He believed in kindness and compassion towards all, he cherished his friendships and had a special love of our country. He proudly wore red, white, and blue, while displaying not only his flags, but also the majestic eagles he collected.
Willard is preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers and sister-in-laws, Les (Dorothy) Androes, Paul (Vernelle) Androes; sister, Dorothy (Charles) Foust and brother-in-laws, Charles Harmony and Eldon Janzen.
Willard is survived by Kathleen, wife of nearly 69 years; daughter, Deborah Pollack of Albuquerque, N.M., and son, Brad (Dixie) Androes of Rogers, Ark. His sisters, Betty Harmony, Mary Lou (Bob) Schmidt and Melba Langenegger all continue to live in Kansas. Willard and Kathleen are proud of their grandchildren, Tiffany (Andrew) Guenther, Miles (Heather) Pollack, Spencer (Kelly) Androes, Cassie (Chason) Laing and Tara (Matt) Kelley and their 16 great-grandchildren with another who was expected in November. Willard also leaves behind many wonderful sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Willard and Kathleen have been members of Rogers First Baptist Church since moving to Arkansas in 2003. While living in Kansas, they were members of Koerner Heights Mennonite Brethren Church in Newton. The family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or the Berean Academy Scholarship Fund, Elbing. A memorial service will be held in Kansas at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rollinsfuneral.com.
