John Andreas

On Thursday, June 8, 2019, John Joseph Andreas, Jr., loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 81. John was known for his blue eyes, engaging smile and comedic personality. Born at home in his parent's house on Des Moines' north side on July 1, 1938 he spent his childhood in the company of his best friend Tom and Tom's little sister Judy who constantly tried to tag along. At the young age of five Judy declared that one day she and John would marry and although they went to separate schools they were bound by that bossy little girl's decree and were married in 1955.

Their 63 year marriage produced five wonderful children which they raised in their home on Des Moines' south side. It was a home filled with literature, art, music, creativity, love and learning. A home where all the neighborhood kids would hang out, with trees to climb and mulberries to eat and, when the sun went down, fireflies to catch and scary bats to throw tinfoil balls at. A home that has since seen numerous former neighborhood children, now grown, return to show their children the place where they played and learned and forged happy memories. Sometimes the pillar of a community is the guy that keeps a good lawn, a clear path through the woods, and yes, "a friggin' sheet metal reproduction of the Gemini 2 space capsule big enough for two people to sit in!" (If anyone out there has pictures of the sheet metal rocket ship please contact the family).

John worked several jobs before becoming a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 45 in 1959, where he developed a reputation for his skill and work ethic. He later decided to take a draftsman class and soon became a mechanical draftsman for Waldinger Corporation where he specialized in the designing of ductwork and was a project leader for heating and cooling systems in many construction projects including the Houston Astrodome, John Deere manufacturing plants, and the Ruan building. He later moved to design for Taylor Industries where they sent him to school to learn how to design on a computer (CAD). A man who still called the t.v. remote a "clicker" went back to school at 58 and learned to design a whole new way. At the end of his class he declared he would never again pick up a pencil for design and just like that he entered the 21st century. He was very proud of his work with Taylor, especially the Tone Spice factory where he used a helicopter to set rooftop HVAC's.

John finally retired at 62 and spent the rest of his days with Judy tinkering around the house he so loved and sitting on his front porch just enjoying life. Being an avid car enthusiast, he also enjoyed spending his time chasing down restoration parts for his several antique cars, his favorite of which was his 1929 Buick Sedan. Taking nightly rides with Judy and any number of grandkids in that car was a special pastime. He lived out his days with the woman he loved in a house filled with happy memories and, hopefully, a great pride in his contributions to the many lives he influenced.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Geraldine and John Andreas Sr., and grandson Richard Patrick Masimore. He is survived by his wife Judy Andreas; his children, Joseph Andreas, Joel (Julie) Andreas, Julie (Chris) Masimore, Jill (Dwight) Kline and John (aka "Boo") Andreas; his grandchildren, the pride and joys of his life, Joey, Jordan, Johnny, Christopher, Paige, Makali, Cooper, Annabeth, Allison and Joey; and his great grandchildren, Justin, Layla, and Alex, and a damn groundhog named Woody who has taken up residence under his porch.

Visitation services will be held at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St., Des Moines, on Thursday evening, June 13th, from 5-7pm. The family will have a private interment ceremony.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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