Dana Jay Andrews

Dana Andrews, 78, of Perham, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born February 24, 1947, in Walker, Minnesota, to Wilmar (“Bill”) and Helen (“Honey”) Andrews, Dana grew up with strong family values, a solid work ethic, and a love of the outdoors. He graduated from Walker High School in 1965, and shortly thereafter began working for East Ottertail Telephone Company as a telephone repairman and technician. After four years, a spirit of adventure led him to Alaska, where he worked at a family member’s hardware store. A year and a half later, he returned home, rejoining the company—later known as Arvig Communications—where he would dedicate the next 40 years of his career.

Over the years, Dana’s work evolved from telephone repair to installing phone lines in new homes, and later, to helping create Arvig Communications’ construction department in the mid-to-late 1980s—an initiative that continues to thrive today. His work ethic, problem-solving skills, and dedication to his team made him an invaluable part of the company.

Beyond his technical skills, Dana had a passion for grilling and barbecuing. Alongside his friend Allen Arvig, he helped organize company picnics before the pair officially formed “Big Al’s Grill Team” in 1995. They later designed and built a professional grill truck and trailer equipped with multiple grills capable of both competition cooking and serving large crowds, hauling it home from Oklahoma City. They began competing—and winning—in BBQ competitions across Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. His recipe for barbecue brisket and ribs was second to none, earning praise from friends, family, and judges alike. In later years, Dana focused on using his talents to bring people together—grilling for Arvig Communications employees across Minnesota, community benefits, and golf tournaments. This was more than a hobby for Dana; it was something he truly loved and shared with countless people.

Dana was also very proud of his large garden and was a skilled, professional canner, sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family.

Dana met the love of his life, Roxane, in 1978. They married in 1981 and built a life together for over 44 years. He was a devoted father to his three daughters—Stacey, Stephanie and Shannon—never missing a school event, volleyball game, or tournament. His proudest role, however, was as “Gramps” to his two granddaughters, Seana and Scarlett. Dana traveled often to be a part of their birthdays, events, and special moments.

He loved traveling—especially to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Florida, Arizona, and Las Vegas in the winter months. He treasured time with his extended family, nieces, nephews, and “outlaws,” enjoying camping trips, bonfires, lake days, and countless family gatherings. Known for his generosity, quick wit, and love of telling jokes, Dana could fix anything, always with a smile, a solution, and a good laugh to go along with it.

Dana is survived by his wife, Roxane; daughters Stacey (Jerry) of Edina, MN, Stephanie (Jonathan) of Bismarck, ND, and Shannon of Fargo, ND; granddaughters Seana and Scarlett; sister Peggy Berglund of Prior Lake, MN; brother Richard Andrews of Walker, MN; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will miss his humor, warmth, and steady presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Honey Andrews.

Dana leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and family devotion. His big heart and even bigger smile will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be 2:00-5:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 5:00 on Sunday, August 17 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Monday, August 18 at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com