Peter Ellwood Andrews

Peter Ellwood Andrews, age 88, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away after a life defined by determination, devotion to family, professional success, frugality, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures that made life special.

Peter was born in 1938 in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, to Leslie and Dora (Blum) Andrews. His remarkable strength of character revealed itself early. At just eight years old, Peter survived a tragic automobile accident and faced the daunting task of learning to walk again. With tremendous determination and perseverance, he did just that. The strength, commitment, and resolve he developed through that experience became qualities that stayed with him throughout his life.

Peter attended West High School and was determined to continue his education. To help save money for college, he worked at H.C. Prange Co. and as a surveyor—experiences that reflected the work ethic and independence that would serve him throughout his life. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a degree in business. Peter later established a successful career as a financial planner in Northeast Wisconsin, building his business through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to the people he served. Although he had been retired for decades, Peter remained remarkably knowledgeable about current financial and insurance matters and took great pride in continuing to be a trusted resource for others.

In 1963, Peter married the love of his life, Kathryn Suzanne Stoffelen. Their love story began when Peter called the general phone number for the Bellin College of Nursing dormitory with the intention of asking whomever answered out on a date. Kathryn answered, and the rest, as they say, is history! On their first date, they went to McDonald’s, where cheeseburgers were five for $1.00. This became a favorite family story, and over the years they always joked that Kathryn had been a “cheap date.” Their marriage spanned more than six decades and became the foundation of the family and life they built together. In 1981, after much anticipation, they welcomed their only child, a son, Peter BWC Andrews, adding a new and deeply cherished chapter to their lives.

Peter felt a deep sense of responsibility as a universal blood type donor and was passionate about giving blood. Encouraged by his beloved mother, Dora, being able to donate blood was more than an opportunity for him; it was a meaningful way to be of service to people in need.

While Peter took great pride in his professional career, some of his happiest moments happened far away from the office. He loved spending time at the family cottage in Oconto County, where he could slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and indulge in his love of fishing and hunting. The cottage became a special place for Peter and his family, filled with many happy memories of time spent together. The lake was also the setting for his marriage proposal to Kathryn, whom he lovingly nicknamed Katy.

Peter also had a great love of travel and enjoyed seeing 6 of the 7 continents and experiencing different cultures. He and Kathryn traveled the globe numerous times from the 1960s all the way up to 2018. His most recent vacation was to Switzerland with friends John and Cathy Barnes, among others. Paris, France held a particularly special place in his heart, a city he and Kathryn visited at least 20 times. Whether exploring the globe or relaxing at the cottage, Peter knew how to appreciate a good day and good company, preferably accompanied by a good cigar and a vodka gimlet or a glass of “Two-Buck-Chuck” wine from Trader Joe’s.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his son, Peter BWC (Kristy) Andrews; and his two grandchildren, Graham and Reid, affectionately nicknamed “the rascals.” His family was the center of the life he worked so hard to build, and his legacy will live on through them. He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie; his mother, Dora; and his sister, Mary Fisher, with whom he shared many special memories in Green Bay and Oconto County.

From the eight-year-old boy who had to learn to walk again to the husband, father, grandfather, and successful professional he became, Peter lived his life with determination. He faced challenges with resolve, worked hard for what mattered to him, enjoyed finding the best deal, never let a coupon go unused, and took time to enjoy the rewards of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Peter’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Unity Care Companions and Hospice teams for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Peter and his family. They are a truly remarkable program in the Northeast Wisconsin community.

A private service will be held at a future date, when Peter’s family and close friends will gather to celebrate his life and honor his memory.