Obituary of Irvin Andrews

Irvin "Irv" Andrews, age 52, of Belle Plaine, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, in his home surrounded by family and friends. Irv was known for having the biggest heart, a deep belief in people—especially young people—and an unyielding passion for helping others.

Born on December 6, 1972, at LaPorte Hospital in Indiana, Irv was the son of Irvin and Veda. He grew up in Westville, Indiana, where he graduated from Westville High School before attending Purdue University. Irv earned a degree in education and later obtained his teaching license in special education from Morehead State University, followed by a Master’s in Education and Principal’s license from the University of St. Mary’s.

Irv devoted his life to shaping young minds and encouraging students to believe in themselves. Much of his teaching career was at Chaska Middle School West, where he worked as a Special Education teacher, Coordinator and Dean of Students. Most recently he served as Assistant Principal at Waconia Middle School. Irv had an incredible gift for bringing out the best in students, colleagues, and everyone around him. He was admired and respected by students, families, and staff alike for balancing high expectations with unwavering kindness and compassion. His passion for education and mentorship extended to coaching basketball, where he inspired countless young athletes to build confidence both on and off the court.

In graduate school, Irv met the love of his life, Bridgette (Kenow) Andrews. The two were married on September 4, 2005, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and a shared commitment to family. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Elijah (11) and Payton (9), who were the center of Irv’s world. Irv cherished his time with his family and friends, whether it was attending his children’s activities, or simply sharing meaningful conversations. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, always willing to go above and beyond to support those he cared about. Irv’s generosity knew no bounds—he would drive any distance or stay up as late as necessary to help a loved one in need.

Irv is survived by his beloved wife, Bridgette; his children, Elijah and Payton; his mother, Veda; his mother- and father-in-law, Darlene Schaefer and Tom (Marilee) Kenow; his brothers, Jason (Kelly) Mathias and Mark Andrews; his brother-in-law, Shawn (Amy) Kenow; and his nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Danny) Foltz, Allan (Hannah) Mathias, Noah Mathias, Emily, Jocelyn, and Allison Andrews, Anna, Ollie, and Josie Kenow; as well as three great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Irvin.

 A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m., at the Chaska Event Center, 3210 Chaska Blvd., Chaska, MN 55318. Following the service, all are invited to stay and share memories and stories over lunch.

To honor Irv’s legacy and love for his children, a memorial fund is being established in Elijah and Payton’s names. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

Irv will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his boundless generosity, his belief in the goodness of others, and the lives he touched with his unwavering kindness.