Andrean Jean Elvert

Andrean Jean Elvert (nee Lowe)

age 98, passed away January 9, 2026, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Born on March 21, 1927, in Hadley, Minnesota, she was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where her lifelong love of learning and faith took root. In 1944, she graduated from Franklin High School, and in 1949, earned her BA from St. Olaf College. Her deep sense of purpose led her to serve in her first job as Director of Education at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa-a role that reflected her devotion to teaching and ministry.

In 1951, she married Pastor Harold Elvert, beginning a lifelong partnership in ministry that would touch those in each community where they lived. Together as a team, they served congregations at Concordia Lutheran, Arnold Lutheran, and Cambridge Lutheran in Minnesota; St. Thaddeus Lutheran in Tehran, Iran; and St. Peter Lutheran in Colorado. Their calling was not just a profession-it was a shared mission of service, teaching, and love.

In 1966, after obtaining her Minnesota teaching certificate, Andrean began teaching at Isanti Elementary in Minnesota, later continuing her teaching career in Iran, where she taught 4th grade and ELL at Community School and the Royal Palace. After Harold's passing in 1984, Andrean remained steadfast in her calling, continuing to teach ELL at the college level and living independently in Colorado for three more decades.

Known for her indomitable spirit and commanding presence, Andrean left a lasting impression wherever she went. Friends, students, and colleagues often remarked, "Your mother's a force" and "She took charge." She was truly dynamic, blessed with a powerful singing voice and a gift of leadership. Whether leading youth groups, directing choirs, teaching Bible studies, or hosting gatherings that impacted those around her. Andrean lived with intention, joy, and conviction.

She also had a passion for travel, curiosity about the world, and a hunger for knowledge that stayed with her throughout her life. Even in her eighties and early nineties, she led a weekly current events discussion. Her adventures across the globe added depth and color to a life already rich with purpose.

Andrean was the third of four siblings and was preceded in death by her sisters Muriel and Janis, and brother George. She was the last of her generation, and her legacy lives on through her family:

Her three daughters: Elizabeth "Beth" Ricke, her husband Joseph Ricke, grandchildren Kasja (Trevis) and great-grandchildren Frankie and Henry, Bjorn (Katherine), and great-grandchildren Bryna and Evynne; Rebecca "Beckie" Elvert Wilson, her husband Dennis Wilson, grandchildren Thaddeus (Carly) and Naiomi Wilson; Miriam "Mim" Phillips, her husband Chuck Phillips, grandchildren Micah (Maggie), Wesley (Kristen), and great-grandchildren Jeremiah, Lucia, Isaiah, and Elijah.

Andrean's life was a tapestry of grace, strength, intellect and faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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