Harold Leo Andrews

Funeral services for Harold L Andrews who died at his rural Sioux County, Nebraska home December 5, 2024, it will be held December 12 at the Methodist Church in Harrison, NE. John Dinsley will conduct the services.

Born at his family’s rural Weld County, Colorado home, April 25, 1934, Harold was the son of Jacob and Lottie Andrews, (the family name, originally Andreas, was changed when they immigrated to United States from Russia in 1908). Harold attended Eaton High School in Eaton, Colorado before enrolling in the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy where he earned a law enforcement certificate. He also graduated from the National Sheriff’s Institute at the University of Southern California. He served a total of 18 years as a member of the Weld County law enforcement team. Duties included that of a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, and was elected for two terms as Weld County Sheriff. In addition, after moving to Nebraska was hired to temporarily fill the position of Sioux County Sheriff.

Harold’s passion was law enforcement, but he also loved living on the family ranch, riding his horses, working with equipment—particularly his tractor, and raising Angus cattle. His first encounter with western Nebraska was a trip to Harrison to purchase a bull from Windy Acres Angus in the mid-1980s. He was a proud lifetime member of the American Angus Association.

In 1986, he married Wilma Wadsworth-Miller and added Wilma’s two children, Kevin and Melanie to his family that consisted of his daughter, Sandra. After he and Wilma married they moved to her family ranch in Kansas then eventually moved back to Colorado to purchase a ranch there. During those years he and Wilma purchased and restored an old hotel, The Stage Stop Hotel, in Moffat, Colorado. After moving to Nebraska, the couple restored the Sage Motel and Village Barn in Harrison, Nebraska as well as the Glen schoolhouse in rural Sioux County, Nebraska. They loved rebuilding and preserving history.

The couple spent many hours driving the back roads of the region, simply “taking in” the view. They enjoyed cruises to several regions including the Caribbean, Mexico, around the tip of South America, and through the Panama Canal. They also organized numerous family reunions and “get togethers.”

Up until his death, Harold continued his love of driving his tractor to complete the many tasks on the ranch, generally with one of his many dogs running or sitting by his side. He was also known as a talented guitar and harmonica player and a prolific story-teller. He thoroughly enjoyed entertaining his visitors.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Elmer; sister, Lillian; and one nephew-in-law, Bill Keefer.

His survivors include his wife of 38 years, Wilma; daughter Sandra (Dale) Mandelko; two grandsons, Jacob and Joseph "kenzie" Mandelko; stepson, Kevin Miller, (Kim); stepdaughter, Melanie (Ken) Johnson; step-grandchildren, JD Barrientos; Nick Barrientos; Sam Barrientos (Annabelle); Andrianna (Ryan) Latta; Bradley, (Sage) Miller; and step great-grandsons, Jonathan Latta; Landen, Corbin, (JD); Chris, and Maddie Barrientos, (Nick).

He is also survived by his niece and nephew, Carolyn Keefer, and Arden Grossaint.

Burial was at the Glendale Cemetery in rural Sioux County, a short distance from the ranch home he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Harolds memory by donating to 

ADRA ( Adventist Development Relief Agency).

These donations will support emergency aid, food, shelter, med care, and more.

Please send to https://adra.org