Ted Andrus

It is with great sadness that the family of Ted Andrus announces his passing. On Sunday, August 21, 2022 Ted Andrus of Rockford passed away at the age of 65 after a longtime struggle with COPD. Our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Ted was born on May 27, 1957, in Rockford, IL to John and Mary Andrus. Ted attended West High School. Ted married his high school sweetheart, Karen Fritz on May 1, 1976, at Beth Eden Church, in Rockford, IL. 

Ted started his career as an electrician at W.F. & John Barnes Company in 1976. He continued advancing his career as an electrician working at Ingersoll, Dixon Automatic and Rockford Systems. He was a great worker that worked well with his hands. Ted had many valued friendships over the years, especially Craig Snyder who traveled with him and helped a lot. 

In December of 1978, Ted started his favorite job as a dad to Amanda and later in October of 1980 to David. He was an amazing dad that was always there for his kids!

Ted enjoyed the outdoors by hunting, fishing, boating and camping especially during the summertime in Lake Germain, Wisconsin with his family. Ted enjoyed boating out on the water, watching eagles and sitting by campfires. He was a die-hard Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan watching games at home. 

Ted was a loving husband and recently celebrated 46 years of marriage to his wife, Karen. They would listen to music together and remember the good ole days! Ted had many people that looked up to him growing up in the Huffman neighborhood including some lifelong friends that became more like family. 

The highlight of Ted’s life was becoming a papa! He was so excited about the birth of Nathan and spent as much time with him as possible while he was growing up. When Victoria was born, he spent a lot of time with both of his grandkids swimming, reading, and fishing. They would enjoy sleepovers, movies, popcorn, and fun! Ted enjoyed spending time with his grandsons Isaiah and Xavier fishing and countless hours at campfires. More recently, Ted was blessed to be able to spend time with his youngest granddaughter, Kelsie who loved seeing her papa! 

Ted will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen Andrus; children, Amanda (Chris Hart) Andrus and David (Heather Sonntag) Andrus; grandchildren, Nathan (Alyssa) Johnson, Victoria Hart, Isaiah Hart, Xavier Hart, Kelsie Andrus; bonus grandchildren, Jesika Hart, Cameron Hart, Jaden Hart, Kylee Koon, and Elyse Hyatte; siblings, Dennis Andrus, Gary (Kathy) Andrus, Sheryl Chastain, Darryl (Denise) Andrus, Blake (Sheila Heidenreich) Andrus; sisters-in-law, Debra (Don) Luke, Vicki Anderson, and Denise Andrus; aunt, Polly (Pat) Dunn; and a host of many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Ted enjoyed wonderful times in his life with so many family members and special friends. We would like to thank his friends for making his days better! Kevin (Deb) Miller, Tom Bellone, Tom Dal Santo, Julie Hauser, Amy Stewart, Marcia Oberheim, John & Prudy Lee, Gary & Phyllis Flanagan, and Steve & Debbie Moburg.

We want to thank Mercy Health Hospice for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank our many friends and family for helping us through this very difficult time. 

Ted was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Andrus; his brother, Bryce Andrus; aunt, Jennie Michelon, and uncle, Louie (Honey) Michelon.

Ted’s celebration of life will be held at Beth Eden Church, 3201 Huffman Blvd., Rockford, IL 61103 on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brett Todd officiating.

Memorial donations can be sent to the family to be determined at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ted Andrus, please visit our floral store.