Corny Andres

Cornelius “Corny” Andres, age 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 19, 2021 surrounded by his family at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK.

Corny was born to Abe & Agatha (Tilitzky) Andres on February 22, 1943 in Herbert, SK — the third youngest of eight children. He attended a small country school, Meadow Prairie, until grade five, when he started attending Herbert School. He graduated from Herbert and pursued a career in plumbing and heating, obtaining his journeyman's ticket from SIAST in Saskatoon, SK.

Corny married Betty Mathies on June 10, 1967 and they had three children — Stacey, Kerry, and Kristi.

Corny worked various jobs throughout his life, including the elevator in Herbert, Prairie Plumbing & Heating, Dual Plumbing & Heating, and was self-employed for ten years. He also worked at the Pioneer Co-op for many years as a plumber and finished his career working on the sales floor in the plumbing department. He also taught Plumbing at the Great Plains College for one year.

Corny gave his life to the Lord at age 11 at DVBS. Corny was a committed member of his church and spent years serving on the church council as a deacon, elder, and other various committees. He also taught Sunday School and regularly attended Bible studies, which he always enjoyed.

He was a member of the Gideons for 33 years and acted as president for the past number of years. Corny went on two mission’s trips in his later years, one to New Orleans and one to Guatemala.

His dream of farming and ranching never came to fruition, but he thoroughly enjoyed helping Niel & Kristi on the ranch with all the jobs that go along with that lifestyle. Corny was a kind, caring, and generous person whose biggest pleasure was helping people any way he could. He loved helping Kerry with Avery and watching and cheering on any of his grandchildren — whether it was wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, basketball, volleyball, cross country running, or dance recitals, he was their biggest fan. His biggest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren.

Corny was an avid sports fan, some of his favorite teams were the Edmonton Oilers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Blue Jays. He loved golfing and being outdoors.

Corny is survived by his wife, Betty; his children and their families, his son, Stacey (Michelle) Andres, and their children, Theoron, Shaley, and McKenna; his son, Kerry Andres, and his children, Keenen, Cole, and Avery; his daughter, Kristi (Niel) Block, and their children, Hailey and Maddie; his brother, Harry (Verna) Andres; his sisters, Sara Klassen, Evelyn (John) Petkau, Shirley Smith, and Janet (Chuck) Lawson; his brothers-in-law, Roy (Lydia) Mathies, Cliff (Maru) Mathies, Ron (Cindy) Mathies, Herb (Marilynne) Mathies, Harv (Karon) Mathies, Hank (Brenda) Mathies, Bob Mathies, Ken (Colleen) Mathies, and Don (Esther) Mathies; his sister-in-law, Colleen (Bob) Leslie; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Corny was predeceased by his parents, Abe & Agatha Andres; his sisters, Esther Gerl and Elsie Klassen; his brothers-in-law, Pete Klassen, Jake Klassen, and Dale Smith; his sister-in-law, Gina Mathies; and by his daughter-in-law, Chantel Andres.

The Celebration of Life for Corny Andres was held on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane and Pastor Joe Sorgen officiating. “10,000 Reasons” and “Awesome God/Lord I Lift Your Name on High” were sung by the congregation. Special music was given by Rachelle Patzer and Terra Regier, and Don Mathis. Tributes were given by Stacey Andres and Corny’s Grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Robert Klassen and Stan Klassen.

The service was recorded and can be viewed here

A Private Internment will take place at a later date.

For those wishing to honor Corny’s lifelong commitment to his Lord and Savior, donations made to Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. 

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