Elvin "Budd" Earl Andrews

Elvin "Budd" Earl Andrews, a beloved member of the Pelican Rapids community, entered eternal rest on October 18, 2023, at the age of 102. Born on December 22, 1920, in Hurley, South Dakota, Budd was the second son of Henry and Alta (Piper) Andrews.

Budd's life was marked by a deep commitment to his family, education, and community. He spent his formative years in Onamia, Minnesota, and went on to graduate from Onamia High School in 1937. Motivated by his passion for agriculture, Budd pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree.

In 1946, Budd married the love of his life, Marguerite Bye, in a heartfelt ceremony in Onamia, Minnesota. Together, they embarked on a lifelong journey filled with love, companionship, and shared adventures.

Throughout his career, Budd dedicated himself to teaching and inspiring generations of students as a GI Bill Veteran’s Farm Instructor at Onamia High School and later at Milaca High School. While in Milaca he was an active Scout Master camping, leading paper drives and building a dog sled and while at Camp Clyde he received the Order of the Arrow in an evening bonfire ceremony.

In 1960, he made Pelican Rapids his home and continued to help area farmers young minds until his retirement in 1982.  With direction from the State of Minnesota’s Agricultural Department, Budd brought farm management too many area farms.  This program enabled farmers to track best practices in crop rotation, field management and livestock care. 

Outside work, Budd dedicated his time and talents to the Otter Tail County Historical Society in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and director of the Pioneer Heritage Conservation Trust. Teaching classes and putting on presentations in wild foods, and teaching about writing your personal history. He felt a deep connection to history and tirelessly worked to preserve the heritage of the region.

Budd found joy in the simple pleasures of life, which included participating events such as the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, Minnesota, and the Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman’s Association Reunion in Dalton, Minnesota. He had a keen interest in maple syrup production running a sugar bush North East of Erhard where he welcomed many, teaching the skills of tapping the maple trees, gathering sap and cooking this down into syrup.  Side skills included carving, splitting wood, making hiking sticks, building an igloo, cooking over the fire and Easter egg hunts.

Collecting rocks in the Milaca area where Minnesota agates abound changed to picking artifacts in the plowed field of Pelican’s Glacial plains and making rock picking trips with Cy Trygstad, Gene Solenger and Julian Krogstad. The basement rock area housed his saw, grinder and polishers where he made jewelry, polished slabs and created displays of sample minerals.

During his service during World War II in the Army Air Force, Budd exhibited remarkable bravery and received numerous accolades for his valor. Among his esteemed decorations were the European Theater of Operations, Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  These recognitions serve as a testament to Budd's unwavering commitment to his country and his undying courage.  He completed 32 missions including bombing Berlin and participated in D-Day.

Following retirement Budd began making wooden toys as Christmas presents for his “kids”.  Finding the resulting scraps too interesting to toss, he began making wood collages, inspired by artist Louise Neveleson.

After a number of years with the Congregational Church in Pelican Rapids include many of those as Deacon, Budd and Marguerite became involved with the Unitarian Church in Underwood and the Camp at Star Island on Cass Lake. The camp benefited from Budd’s many skills sets as he attended work weeks preparing camp for the season.

Budd will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 77 years Marguerite; his devoted children, Steven (Menghui) Andrews, Kathryn (Kate) Andrews, Thomas (Susan Dewey) Andrews; granddaughter Alice Chen; brothers Paul Andrews and Robert (Joyce) Andrews; brothers-in-law Roger (Jean) Bye and Stephen (Loretta) Bye; sisters-in-law Avis (Marvin) Grosslein and Janet Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family too numerous to mention.

Budd is preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold (Inez); brothers-in-law: Richard (Vivian) Bye, Charlie Bye and Richard Johnson; sister-in-law Linda Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be made to the Otter Tail County Historical Society, as a tribute to Budd's enduring dedication.

The memory of this remarkable man will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral services to celebrate Budd's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Ed Anderson officiating, where his friends, family, and community members will come together to honor his lasting legacy. In accordance with his wishes, Budd's body has been generously donated to further medical research, embodying his selflessness and desire to contribute to the betterment of others even in death.

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Elvin "Budd" Earl Andrews, a true pillar of strength, wisdom, and kindness. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his remarkable legacy continue to inspire future generations.

Please keep Budd's family in your thoughts and prayers.