Andrew “Andy” Melrose, Jr., 84, of Charles City, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
A memorial service for Andy Melrose will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City with Pastor Russ Leeper officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City with a lunch reception and fellowship time to follow at Cedar Ridge Golf Course.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2019 at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Andrew “Andy” Melrose, Jr. was born March 19th, 1935 in Charles City, IA to Andrew Rae Melrose Sr. and Mona Melrose. After countless crazy boyhood antics like jumping out of his two story bedroom window into the bushes below with a sheet tied around his neck thinking we was Superman (while his mother watched in horror through the living room window) or sticking up the post office with his toy cap gun (“Gimme me all your stamps!”), the elementary school system couldn’t wait until Andy moved on to Jr High where he moved on to more conventional antics. He participated in football, basketball and baseball and eventually graduated from Charles City High School in 1953. After high school, he became an Iowa State Cyclone and played football for one year, under scholarship. He transferred to St Cloud Teachers College in Minnesota and after three years, graduated with a degree in Business and Physical Education. Andy met the love of his life, Diane Christensen, while attending college in St Cloud. They enjoyed dancing and going to countless movies together. Eventually, the cheerleader and football player fell in love and married on August 24, 1958 in Pipestone, MN. After a brief honeymoon, they took off to a new teacher’s workshop in Silver Bay, MN, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, and both were offered teaching jobs. Andy taught 6th grade, was assistant football coach and head swimming coach. He was ready to accept the principal position at the new elementary school but decided to take over his father’s insurance agency in 1960. He retired in 2001 after years of dedicated service to his clients in Charles City and the surrounding area.
Although Andy was known as a real character and jokester while playing handball, golf and racquetball, behind the scenes, he took care of many people including being a Big Brother, made countless visits to friends while they were sick or in nursing homes, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, helping with many duties at St John Lutheran Church, annually sending birthday greetings to hundreds of friends, clients and family and usually with a personal note or joke to brighten their day. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing, biking, handball and scuba diving. He loved to travel and did so all over the world with Diane and took skiing trips with the Cedar Valley Ski Club. They also travelled to Hawaii many times and had memorable family vacations with the Altierys (Andy’s sister Mona). He also enjoyed his Minnesota lake vacations with the Voyens (Diane’s sister Carol) and crazy times with the Albertson family (Andy’s sister Nancy). Many a tall tale could also be told about his fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota with family and good buddies. Throughout his life, his love of acting was nurtured by becoming an original member of the Stoney Point Players. His first play was in 1967, and he went on to act in over 20 plays. His most “famous” role was as Count Dracula. It was supposed to be a drama, but many busted out laughing as soon as he came on stage, which he relished. Fellow actors tell stories of how he fed them false lines just to get them to freeze or start laughing in the middle of a live production. Andy also was a member of the Elks, Lions Club, YMCA, St John Lutheran, Jaycees and countless hours of volunteer work in Charles City over the years. When he had down time, he was a voracious reader. He said reading books was like being in a “movie for the mind”. He also enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren Ellen, Nick, Carter and Cole. “Bopi” was always there to make them laugh too.
Living family members include his wife Diane, son’s Mark and Tim (Ann) and four grandchildren Ellen, Nick and Carter Melrose and Cole (Jen) Maiers.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mona and Nancy, and his first born son, Michael Andrew Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Learning Center (TLC), or Alzheimer’s Association (research).
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
