Stephen Andrews

Stephen Randolph Andrews Sr., 65 of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away on Sunday July 25th at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.  He was born on September 23, 1955 in Samson, AL to Roy and Macy (Goodwin) Andrews.

Stephen grew up as a small southern town country boy.  He had big dreams and joined the Marine Corps in 1973 at the age of 17.  His first duty station was Bremerton, WA where he met the mother of his two sons, Sharon Penhale.  They were married for 9 years.  In August of 1984 Stephen married the love of his life Mary Peterson and gained a young daughter.  Stephen and Mary enjoyed almost 36 years of marriage before Mary’s passing in April of 2020.

Through his years in the Marine Corps, Stephen was able to travel to many parts of the world, making friends wherever he went.  He retired from the Corps in 1993 and moved to Detroit Lakes where him and Mary helped to take care of his mother-in-law.  Stephen was a part time deputy with the Becker County Auxiliary at this time.  He loved helping his community and driving around in a squad car with a gun was pretty exciting too!  He later worked as a correctional officer at the Becker County jail and was even able to get a second retirement.  In his spare time, he started a home monitoring business which again got him out helping his community.

Stephen was a very patriotic and true to the Corps.  He loved his country.   He taught his children what our flag meant and why we live in freedom today.

He was extremely proud of his children and many grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed by his large circle of family and friend; they are all in celebration of his special life and the many influences that he had on everyone.  He leaves behind a legacy that makes his family and friends very proud.

Some of his favorite hobbies were fishing, woodworking, computer, making ammo, going to Mahnomen and being a part of the Lake Area Leathernecks Marine Corps League.

To those who knew him, Stephen was one of the most kind and compassionate men that you would have the pleasure of knowing.  He was an amazing caretaker for those that he loved, especially his wife Mary.  Now we’ve given him back to the Lord so the Lord can take care of him now.

Family that Stephen is reunited with are his loving wife Mary, brother Terry Andrews and the mother of his sons; Sharon Penhale, and his parents; Roy and Macy Andrews.

Stephen leaves behind son; Stephen (Rebecca) Andrews, Jr. of Kent, WA, daughter; Matie (Chris) Hanson of Detroit Lakes, MN, son; Chris (Bridgette) Andrews, Sr. of Tacoma, WA, grandchildren, Chace, Noah, Cole, Chris Jr., Mia, Alissa, Riley, Makaylee and Liam, brothers-in-law, Duane (Jean) Peterson and John (Kim Lindsey) Peterson both of Bemidji, MN, special friends, Mary Rothenay, Joe and Gracie Van Steenbergen and the Lake Area Leathernecks Marine Corps League.

Simper Fi…Always Faithful

A Celebration of Stephen’s life will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29th at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.  A 2-hour visitation will be held prior to his celebration, beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Pastor Wade Dutton will officiate.