Richard (Dick) Harold Andres passed away peacefully in his home on May 23, 2024, surrounded by his wife and family members.  He passed away with dignity after a courageous fight with a prolonged illness.

Dick was born in Antigo, Wisc on September 22, 1932, the fifth son of Emil Andres and Clara (Kloida) Andres.  He graduated from Antigo High School in 1950 where he was active in football, basketball, track, and baseball.

Dick married Theda (Kaiser) Andres on June 23, 1951.  Both he and Theda were born on the same day and were delivered by the same doctor, which brought them notoriety over the years.

After high school, he attended Carroll College for a short time before returning to Antigo to begin an apprenticeship as a machinist with the Chicago and North Western Railroad.  He worked for the railroad until 1956.  They moved to the Fox Valley in 1956, living outside of Appleton in the first and only house they ever bought.  He started working in local industries as a machinist, first with Valley Iron, then Kurz and Root, and finally Badger Northland in Kaukauna.  He worked his way up from machinist to foreman to general foreman to plant manager, finally retiring as personnel manager after 37 years at Badger.  His dedication to improving himself and lifelong learning included Dale Carnegie courses, college courses and many other trainings.

Dick served on the Volunteer Fire Department for the Town of Buchanan for 34 years, retiring as Assistant Chief.  The father of six boys, Dick served as Cubmaster and Scout Leader for several years as well as attending many camping outings.  He was a charter member of the Kimberly Papermaker Booster Club.  As a member of the First Methodist Church in Appleton, Dick served as a Sunday School teacher, member of various committees, maintenance work volunteer, and chaperone for youth workcamps, and participated in adult church camps.  In his later years, he was known as "The Apple Man" for the apples he grew and applesauce he and Theda made and donated to the church.

Dick joined the Masonic Lodge in Kaukauna and was raised on November 10, 1962.  He served as Worshipful Master 13 times.  He held several other offices, both in Kaukauna and Appleton #349 when the Lodges consolidated.  He was honored as Mason of the Year in 2004.

In 1979, Dick became a Shriner, first joining Tripoli Temple and then becoming a charter member of Beja Shrine. He served Beja as Summer Circus Chairman, Magic Show Chairman, Santa Claus for Breakfast with Santa, Krazy Kops Chief, transport driver for Shrine Hospital kids, and he was a member of the Divan.  He was a member of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron several times.  At his death, he was serving as Organist.  Dick also was a member of Royal Arch, Commandry, and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.

Dick was an accomplished woodworker, making the cabinetry for their house, furniture, and wooden toys for kids.  Several times over the years, he remodeled and expanded his home.  He was a notable fabricator and mechanic, building his own rototiller at one time and maintaining or repairing various vehicles, boats, small engines, and machinery that he owned.  He loved to hunt and fish.  After high school, he played semi-pro basketball. He played softball primarily as a catcher, first for fast-pitch and later for slow-pitch teams.  He retired from playing at the ripe-old age of 55.  Through the years, he enjoyed playing golf in local leagues and with family which he continued to do until 2016.  Dick's booming bass voice would turn heads when he sang, and he could never turn down a good polka.

Dick is survived by his wife of almost 73 years, Theda and his six sons:  James (Susan), Sturgeon Bay, Dr. Jerome (Debra), Minocqua, John (Donna), Sun Prairie, Jay (Lori), Appleton, Jeffrey (Christine), Cambridge, Minn., Jody (Special friend, Colleen), Neenah.

Dick was the proud grandfather of 13 grandkids and 19 great grandkids with two more on the way.  He also has many nieces and nephews.

Dick was proceeded in death by his parents and his four brothers and their wives, Eugene (Gerry), Arthur (Jean), Edward (Virginia), and David (Shirley), two infant daughters, his father-in law, Gilbert Kaiser, and mother-in-law, Gladys Kaiser.  He was also proceeded in death by in-laws, Geneva Kennedy (Ken Banczak) and Buzz Kaiser (Mary).

A funeral service for Dick will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 325 E Franklin Street, Appleton. Visitation will be held the night before on Monday, May 27, 2024 at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and again the following day at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will take place at Town of Norwood Cemetery in Phlox.

In lieu of flowers, Dick and family request donations to the Beja Shrine in Green Bay, or other charities.

The family wishes to thank all the people who showed concern or came to visit and all the health care providers contributing to Dick's care.