Dennis Frank Andrews

Denny was born on October 19, 1949, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to Kenneth Joseph Andrews and Helene Elsie (Wolfram) Andrews. He was the cherished only son among four siblings and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1967.

On May 24th, 1969, Denny married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Fay Draeger. Together, they raised two wonderful children: son Nathan, born in 1975, and daughter Kirsten, born in 1977. Denny proudly owned and operated Denny’s Tap in Fort Atkinson from 1975 to 1978.

In 1978, seeking adventure, Denny and Pam moved their young family to Alaska, lured by the breathtaking landscapes and opportunities in the oilfields. They spent 33 years in Alaska, where Denny worked as a mechanic and supervisor on heavy equipment in Prudhoe Bay and elsewhere throughout Alaska, known for his exceptional diagnostic field repair skills. Denny instilled a love of Alaska in his children and fostered an appreciation for its beauty through cherished family memories of boating, fishing, camping, and hunting trips.

As retirement approached, Denny and Pam embraced the warmth of the Arizona sun, relocating to Maricopa, Arizona, in 2011. While living in Arizona, Denny enjoyed dips in his backyard pool, evenings on the back patio under the desert stars, and the new group of friends he came to know and appreciate.

Denny had a deep love for sports, enjoying boxing, football, softball, bowling, golf, and trap/skeet shooting. In his younger years, he also participated in stock car racing and was a certified scuba diver and licensed private pilot. His passion for all things mechanical was evident from an early age, as he enjoyed fixing engines and driving fast cars, boats, motorcycles, and snow machines. A devoted fan of NASCAR, he visited several tracks and followed golf, college football, and the Green Bay Packers with enthusiasm. His hunting dogs, Duke, Mike, Patty, and Nuka, were also a significant part of his life.

A man of faith, Denny exemplified hard work, integrity, respect, and humility, serving as a role model for his children. He demonstrated that a circle of friends did not need to be large but could remain strong. He was a staunch provider even during challenging times when jobs were scarce. His kind heart and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela; son Nathan (Kassie) Andrews and daughter Kirsten (Tyler) Andrews; sisters Sylvia (Gene) Ackatz, Sandra (Dean) Yandry, and Debra (Jeff) Hans; his two grandchildren Gracella Andrews and Kenton Andrews; and his many nieces and nephews; all of whom were a source of immense joy in his life. He is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Helen.

The family wishes to thank Liz at ELSA Assisted Living in Maricopa and Compassus Hospice for their loving care in his final days.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10:00 AM at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 599 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona. On Tuesday, May 27th, a private graveside service and interment will be at the Town of Sumner Union Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. This will be followed by an Open House at the County Inn & Suites, 1650 Doris Drive, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, from 1-4 PM. Here, we will celebrate Denny’s life and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Memorials in his name may be made to Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona, or a charity of your choice.