William "Gus" Andrus, Jr.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of William Andrus Jr., it is easy to see both his unyielding strength and his unconditional love for his family. He faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and he was a shining example of kindness and selflessness. Nothing brought Gus greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. His serving heart allowed him to impact the lives of countless others. Deeply missed, Gus will be forever loved and remembered by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s are among some of the most tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the globe. WWII was reaching a boiling point, and it wouldn’t be long before the U.S. entered the war, calling countless servicemen away from home. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light for William and Elizabeth (Shortsleeve) Andrus of Elmira, New York, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their first child. It was on November 10, 1940, that William Jr., who would be known by his family and friends as Gus, made his entrance into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Gus was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his six younger siblings, Maryann, Tom, Kathy, Betsy, John, and Jerry. He graduated from Elmira High School, then went on to attend Fordham University, College of Pharmacy, in the Bronx, New York. Gus studied hard and graduated from Fordham with his Bachelor’s Degree.

Gus’ life was forever changed when he met the young woman, while attending Fordham, who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Paula Tuennermann. As the story goes, Gus was playing football and “accidentally” threw a football in her direction. He apologized, and the two parted ways. However, Gus couldn’t stop thinking about Paula. He asked around about her and, before long, they met again and struck up a conversation. There was an instant spark between them and over time their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Gus and Paula were married on November 28, 1964. They would go on to spend nearly 60 happy years as husband and wife.

Shortly after getting married, Gus and Paula moved to Lafayette, Indiana, so he could pursue further education at Purdue University. He received his M.S. and PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry from Purdue, then taught at the school of pharmacy at the University of Wyoming for one year. Gus also earned his post-doctoral degree at Roswell Park Institute in Buffalo, New York. Before long, he and Paula settled down in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he began working in patent liaison for the Upjohn Company in 1970. Gus worked his way up through the company to become the Director of Laboratory Support. He was always proud of his employees and excited to learn from them, and he loved playing in the Upjohn softball games. Gus retired in 1998, leaving behind nearly three decades of dedicated work.

Of all the things Gus loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. Over the years, he was overjoyed to welcome his children, Bob and Jennifer, into his heart and home. Gus and Paula also cared for their beloved daughter, Elizabeth, until she passed away at only three months old. Both were heartbroken by their loss, but they leaned on their strength in each other and mutual faith during such a dark time. Gus poured his heart and soul into being the best father he could be for Bob and Jennifer. He often took them camping, and he coached their sports teams. Gus never missed an event or special occasion. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Gus adored his grandchildren and was their biggest supporter. He loved taking them to walk over the frozen lake, and Paula would be waiting on the other side with hot cocoa. Gus always had a gift for the grandchildren, whether it be Necco wafers or gas money. He considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Gus pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He loved golfing and playing both baseball and softball. Gus owned a place up North, where he loved hosting families and friends. He enjoyed tubing down the Muskegon River, going for pontoon rides on Austin Lake, and bringing his children and later grandchildren to go swimming and jet skiing. Gus liked to travel and went on many cruise trips and excursions at ports. He loved taking walks and biking around Austin Lake. Gus was also dedicated to serving his community, and he spent many hours volunteering and participating in Meals on Wheels. He was always happiest when those around him were happy.

As family and friends will certainly attest, William Andrus Jr. truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gus was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew him. His primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Gus leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

William “Gus” Andrus, Jr., of Portage, age 84, passed away on November 22, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Elizabeth Andrus; son, Bob Andrus; sister, Maryann; and in-laws Betty and Eric Tuennermann. Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Paula; daughter, Jennifer (Dave) Lane. He was grandpa to Elizabeth Hamilton, Eric Hamilton, and Allyson Andrus; great-grandpa to Luca Hamilton. Also surviving are step-grandsons, Connor Lane and Caden Lane; siblings: Tom Andrus, Kathy Berry, Betsy Pierce, John (Dar) Andrus, and Jerry (Karen) Andrus; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Prayer Service will be held Thursday, December 12, at 4:30 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A life story visitation will follow at the funeral home from 5-7 PM where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, at 11 AM at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Parish. Lunch will follow in Marion Hall. Burial at South Portage Cemetery.

Celebrate Gus’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities – Diocese of Kalamazoo, Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo, or Hackett Catholic Prep High School.

The Andrus family would like to thank Bronson Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their compassion and care of Gus.