Obituary: Everette W. Andrus

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Everette W. Andrus

Everette W. Andrus, age 90, passed away on September 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Everette was born in 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Ruby (Clark) Andrus. As the oldest of five children, he grew up facing challenges that could have easily held him back. Instead, he turned those struggles into strengths, never allowing his circumstances to define his future or limit what he could achieve.

In 1956, Everette had the chance encounter with Claudia at a roller-skating rink. That simple moment began an extraordinary love story that would span nearly 68 years of marriage. Together, Everette and Claudia built a beautiful life, raising four wonderful children and creating decades of memories filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Everette was the very definition of a provider. Despite never receiving a high school diploma himself, he worked tirelessly to create opportunities for his family. Through determination, sacrifice, and hard work, he ensured his children could develop their careers and degrees, providing them with the opportunity to build successful lives of their own.

He spent much of his career as a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union, but his talents and interests extended far beyond his profession. An avid outdoorsman, lifelong learner, and teacher, Everette became a certified instructor with the American Canoe Association, where he spent many years teaching canoeing. Canoeing remained one of his greatest passions, and he enjoyed time on the water until just five years ago, when he reluctantly decided it was finally time to hang up his paddle.

Even as age and mobility slowed him down, Everette never stopped creating. He crafted beautiful woodworking projects, hand-carved walking sticks, and generously shared his creations with others. If someone admired his walking stick, there was a good chance he would eventually make one just for them.

When he wasn't on the river, Everette and Claudia could often be found square dancing, advancing to the C Plus level or participating in Fur Trader Rendezvous reenactments throughout the Midwest. His many talents and hobbies included lapidary work, rock hunting, stained glass artistry, sheet metal art, leather tooling, wood carving, knife making, black-powder shooting, and countless other crafts. There seemed to be little he could not learn, create, or master with his hands.

One of Everette's most meaningful acts of service was his dedication to Cass Cemetery. For more than 30 years, he served as its caretaker, helping to preserve the pioneer heritage and honor the generations of families laid to rest there. He took great pride in maintaining the grounds and ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of those who came before would not be forgotten.

The Andrus family first settled in the area during the mid-1830s and played a role in establishing the Cass community. For generations, his family and extended family have called the area home, making his years of stewardship at Cass Cemetery not only a service to the community, but also a tribute to his own family's enduring legacy. Nearly two centuries later, Everette's care for the cemetery reflected his deep respect for those who came before him and his commitment to preserving their history for generations yet to come.

More than anything, Everette will be remembered for his perseverance, his generosity, and the example he set for his family. He taught those around him that success is not determined by where you begin, but by the character, determination, and love you bring to the journey. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless skills, stories, and memories he shared.

Everette is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia (Margerum) Andrus; his children, Pamela (Kirk) Phillips, Tim (Tracy) Andrus, Wendy (Jim) Stephen, and Karen (Ken) Daniels; his grandchildren, Heather, Jennifer, Meghann, Becca, Andrew, Bradley, Christopher, and Jacob; his great-grandchildren, William, Evan, and Wesley; his brother, Clark (Lori) Andrus; his sister, Nancy (Harvey) Alexander; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruby Andrus; his brother, Robert Andrus, and his sister, Susan Andrus.

Whether paddling a river, carving a walking stick, teaching a new skill, or simply spending time with those he loved, Everette's greatest gift was the way he made every life he touched a little richer. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

As it was Everette’s request, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Angels Grace Hospice or ALS Association.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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