Elwood R. Andrews

Elwood R. Andrews, age 93, of Lake Norden, SD, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Avantara Lake Norden. Memorial Services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Pastor Brian Rickie will officiate. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Burial will be at the Garfield Cemetery, in rural Bryant, SD.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Post #37, Bryant American Legion, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.  Active urnbearers will be Trey Andrews, Patrick Anderson, Jason Anderson, and Tristan Andrews.  

Elwood Andrews was born on July 16, 1932, in Lake Norden, to Andrew and Dena (Olsen) Andrews. He answered the call to serve his country in 1952, joining the United States Army and serving much of his time in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, he began a long and dedicated career with the BNSF Railway, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

On June 14, 1969, Elwood was united in marriage to Gayle Lantgen at Garfield Lutheran Church in Lake Norden. Together, they raised their family and built a life rooted in their community.

A man of immense talent, Elwood was an avid musician who could play nearly any instrument. He shared his gift by performing in many bands throughout his life. When he wasn't making music, he enjoyed the simple peace of gardening. He was a proud member of the Bryant VFW and the American Legion in Bryant, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow veterans.

Elwood is survived by his wife, Gayle Andrews; his children: Daniel (Dawn) Andrews of Brookings, Jeremy (Jennie Hartmann) Andrews of Lake Norden, and Christina (Darrell) Bahr of Lake Norden; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Along with in-laws, Janet Andrews, Marla Andrews, Kenny (Barb) Lantgen, Jennette Wangen, Carol (Wayne) Latt, Dennis (Marty) Lantgen, Richard Lantgen, Elaine Lantgen, and Larry Lantgen; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Dena Andrews; brothers: Earl, Frank, Alfred, John, James, Roger; sisters: Irene, Violet, Esther, Jane, and Hope; father and mother-in-law, Martin and Lucille Lantgen; brothers-in-law, James Lantgen, Robert Wangen, Lyle Larson, and Larry Clark; and sister-in-law, Helen Lantgen.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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