Richard J. Andres Sr.

Richard Joseph Andres, Sr., 95, died peacefully Friday, August 16, 2024, at Bennett Place Senior Living. He was born September 11, 1928, in Floyds Knobs, Indiana to the late Otto C. Andres, Sr. and Mabel C. (Fenwick) Andres. Richard was married to his loving wife, Virginia M. (Kruer) Andres, for 58 years until her death in 2006. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his companion, Norma Johns; siblings, Lucille Johnson, Otto “Bud” Andres, Jr., Mary Reynolds, Helen Andres and Wilbur Andres. Richard was a graduate of New Albany High School and a lifelong Catholic. Even as his memory faded in the last decade of his life, he was a devoted Catholic always wanting to attend mass. Richard was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Starlight, Indiana. He had been the oldest member of the St. John’s community for several years until the time of his death. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired at the age of 58 from Indiana Gas as a superintendent. After retirement he and Ginny worked together on the family farm. The farm was a place where they taught their children and grandchildren the values of hard work, family and faith along with many other life lessons. His nickname, “Jelly” was very fitting as he never declined the ice cream or dessert that visitors brought him.

Richard will be dearly missed by his family, including his children, Richard, Jr. (Linda); Gregory (Paula), Lynn Donohue and Michael (Missy Rosenberger); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Janis) Andres; sister-in-law Bonnie Huber; brother-in-law, George “Junior” Kruer; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Providence Retirement Home, Azalea Hills Assisted Living and Bennett Place for the care Richard received during his stays.

A visitation for Richard will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 East Spring Street, New Albany, IN. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Starlight, IN.

Richard will be laid to rest in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Starlight, IN.

Contributions to the American Heart Association or Hosparus of Southern Indiana.