John H. Andrews

1939 - 2025

Verona, WI - John H. Andrews died peacefully at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI on August 23, 2025. He was born July 16, 1939 to Willard A. Andrews and Mattie (Forbes) Andrews in Danville, IL. When his father became a senior executive in the Foot-So-Port Shoe Company, his family moved from Evanston, IL to Oconomowoc, WI in 1948. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1957 where he learned to play the baritone horn, and where he developed a lifelong love of music by playing in the band. He was admitted to UW Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in History. As a UW student he was a member of the UW Marching Band, Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and ROTC - Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Upon graduation in 1961, John was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army at Fort Riley, KS following a family tradition of military service. At the outbreak of the Civil War, John's great-grandfather and namesake, John Henry Andrews, enlisted in Company H of the 20th Indiana Infantry. He was captured on the US Gunboat Fanny off the coast of Hatteras Island, NC but survived the war.

At Fort Lewis, WA John was assigned to the 2nd Battle Group, 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. When the Cold War suddenly became tense with Russian tanks appearing along the East German border, John was deployed to West Germany and was stationed in the Rhon Mountains, facing the Russian tanks at the Fulda Gap. Fortunately, the Cold War cooled to a historic impasse. After he was honorably discharged from service, John returned to Wisconsin to attend UW Law School, graduating in 1966.

He joined the firm of Wickhem, Consigny and Sedor in Janesville, becoming a partner in 1968. John met his beloved wife, Faye Kalland, on stage at the Janesville Little Theater. They were married at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church in Stoughton on June 8, 1968. They were blessed with three daughters. John was a firm believer in education, and he encouraged his children to enrich their lives and to do good things in the world. He was proud to have attended every Parent-Teacher Conference for his children.

John also served as president of the Rock County Bar Association and was a member of the Janesville Noon Rotary Club for many years. John retired from Consigny, Andrews, Hemming and Grant in 2000. His retirement permitted him time to travel; to enjoy his interests in theater, music, and art; and to spend time reading history books at the family cottage on Spider Lake, near Mercer, WI. Nancy (Andrews) Muenchausen, his younger sister, shared their mutual interest in history over many years. John was very proud of his military service and enjoyed serving in the VFW Post 1621 Honor Guard for veterans. He was also grateful to have been part of the "Vet's Roll" experience.

John is survived by his wife Faye; daughters Laura Andrews, Margaret Andrews, Sarah (Andrews) Siefkes; son-in-law Andrew Siefkes; grandchildren, Jack Andrew Siefkes and Katherine Belle Siefkes; and sister Nancy Muenchausen. He is preceded in death by his parents; his dear grandmother, Verdie Andrews; his lovely mother-in-law, Belle Kalland; and several very close friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Flowers are welcome and donations are suggested to Agrace Hospice Care at Agrace.org/Donate.