John Leo Andrae

Reverend John Leo Andrae, age 89, of Carmel, IN, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on August 15, 1935, in Pekin, IL, to the late, Leo Frederick Andrae and Mildred Elizabeth Lohnes Andrae. He graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1953. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued on to attend the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 1961, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree then ordained as a Disciples of Christ Minister. He continued at Butler University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Sociology/Psychology, specializing in Pastoral Care and Counseling. He was a proud member of The Sigma Chi Fraternity. John began his career at Speedway Christian Church, Speedway, IN, then on as a Dean of Students at Phillips University, Enid, OK. His career path brought him back to Indiana working for the National Benevolent Association where he planned and developed Robin Run Village, Indpls. IN. John enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques, as well as collecting Haviland china. John spent his life always uplifting and offering guidance and understanding to others. He truly was a "people person". Survivors include his wife of 67 years, VarDeen "Deenie" Andrae of Carmel; two daughters, Renee Turner (Greg) of Lebanon, IN. Michelle Golden of Zionsville, IN; six grandchildren, Alexa McLelland (Scott), Wesley Turner (Alex), Christina Nirenstein (Ben), Katie Wagner(Tim), Emily Parris(Kyle) and Sarah Kelly (Matthew). He was fondly known as "Opa" by his six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral services for Rev. John Andrae will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Zionsville Christian Church, 120 N. 9th Street, Zionsville, IN. Visitation will from 12 noon until the time of service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Barrington of Carmel Benevolent Fund/ BHI Foundation, www.bhiseniorliving.org or to The Pension Fund of The Christian Church, PO Box 631085, Cincinnati, OH 45263 or https://pensionfund.my.site.com/giving.