Otto Emmanuel Andrist Jr., 80, of Pine Island, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Pine Haven Care Center. A memorial service will be held, Friday September 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastors Darby Lawrence and Craig Breimhorst officiating. Visitation will be Thursday September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m., at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Mahler Chapel, in Pine Island and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Pine Island Cemetery.
Otto Emmanuel Andrist Jr. was born on August 23, 1937 in New Haven Township, Olmsted County, to Otto Sr. and Myrtle (Rodrick) Andrist. He grew up in rural Pine Island and attended Pine Island High School. He was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Upon his return home he worked in the printing business in Rochester for 46 years, first at Whiting Printing and then at Schmidt Printing, where he retired in 2000.
Junior or J.R., as he was known to his close friends and family, was a very loving person. He was a kind and gentle soul who never met a stranger and would help anyone in need. He had a wonderful laugh that filled the room and made everyone laugh along with him, especially when telling one of his stories. Junior loved the farming life, could fix anything and enjoyed gardening, canning and working in the yard. He was an active member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Pine Island Lions Club and American Legion.
Junior is survived by his loving partner in life, Mavis Lerol; sons, Jim (Lori Ritson) Andrist of Atlanta, Georgia, Chris (Julie) Andrist of Byron, Ed Andrist of St. Paul and Dan (Jeni) Andrist of Byron; grandchildren, Michelle Cook of Pine Island, Laura Andrist of Albert Lea, Nicholas Andrist of Daytona, Florida and Ryleigh Andrist of Byron; four great-grandchildren, Cole, Allison, Myles and Nora; siblings Kenneth Andrist, Arland (Mary) Andrist, both of Pine Island, Joseph (Marietta) Andrist of Rochester, David (Mary) Andrist of Pine Island, Darold (Kim) Andrist of Prescott, Arizona, Virgil (Carol) Andrist of Mantorville, Kathy (Robert) Krause and sister-in-law Rose Andrist, both of Pine Island.
Otto Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; wife Linda; brother, Ronald; sister Shirley Burdick McWaters; and step daughter Amy Beck. Online condolences are welcome and may be written at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.