Steven Andres

Steven Douglas Andres was born in Oklahoma City, OK on October 5^th, 1966.  He was blessed to be adopted by his loving parents, Irvin & Marie and his sister Janice of Elbing, KS.  Steve spent the majority of his life in Elbing where he established his faith.  He was one of the last classes to attend Elbing Grade School, before moving on to Berean Academy and later graduating from Remington High School in 1985. He continued his education with firefighter & first responder classes.

Steve’s life completely changed in January of 1988 when he met Marci Klaassen at the Dillons video department.  They married on July 3^rd, 1988 at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, KS.  From that moment on, his focus in life became building their family.  They were blessed with two boys, Cody and Justin.  Steve loved his boys, and spent endless hours supporting their sports and hobbies, whether it was basketball, motocross, golf or teaching them life skills at Elbing Grain.  Cody and Justin worked alongside Steve for the majority of their lives, where Steve was so proud to teach them about the importance of hard work and the community.

Steve spent his life involved in the local community in various roles such as city council member, mayor, volunteer firefighter and business owner of Elbing Grain, where he worked more than 40 years until his death. He was known as a hard worker and was always sure to lend a helping hand throughout the community whenever needed, whether he knew you or not. He also loved watching the community youth grow, and frequently attended local sporting events to cheer on our friends, family and neighbors.  This love for sports also included passionately following the Jayhawks, Chiefs, Huskers, Royals and the PGA tour.  Steve also loved the outdoors and especially the mountains.  He and Marci would routinely plan family trips including trips to Estes Park, CO with the boys to tent camp.  They also enjoyed many weekends camping and boating with friends and family.

One of Steve’s greatest moments in life was to see his two sons marry and start lives of their own. Being a grandfather soon became his greatest passion. His grandchildren peeled back layers to Steve that until then, only his wife Marci had seen.  Steve loved nothing more in life than spending time with Birdie Lynn and Rozalynn Belle; and, was anxiously awaiting a trip in late October to meet his newest granddaughter Cooper Ann who was born on October 12, 2022 while Steve was in the hospital.  He always perked up when he’d see pictures or recorded videos of his granddaughters; and when FaceTimed he tried his best to interact and tell them how much he loved them.

Steve’s life journey came to an end on Monday, October 24^th, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center after his 15 day battle in the ICU.  He was surrounded by his loving family throughout his fight in the hospital, up until his last breath.  Steve is survived by his wife Marci Andres of Elbing, KS; son Cody and wife Sloan Andres & granddaughters Birdie and Cooper of Missoula, MT ; Justin and wife Larissa Andres & granddaughter Rozalynn of El Dorado, KS.  He is also survived by his sister Janice Harvey of Elbing, KS; Mother-in-law Reitha Klaassen of Newton, KS;  Brother & sister-in-laws Mark and Sue Klaassen of Syracuse, IN; Steve and Evie Klaassen of Palm City, FL; Jim and Cay Klaassen of Boise, ID; and his many nieces, nephews and friends that loved him dearly.   He also had a great love for his four-legged friends Drake, Perle and Bella who also are missing him dearly.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Ave., Newton, KS with a luncheon following.  Dress will be very casual with Chief and Jayhawk attire encouraged.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the City of Elbing for the Beautification Projects of the community which Steve held so much passion and pride for in his heart.  Please send these donations to Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton, KS  67114.