Ronald John Andrus passed away October 17, 2020 at Sanford Health Care Center in Vermillion, South Dakota with his wife Karen by his side. Ron was born to John and Ruth (Schrunk) Andrus on Sept. 8, 1940 in Atkinson, Nebraska. He had an older brother Ralph and a younger sister Karen (Ormesher).  He attended Atkinson High School and graduated May 1958.

On June 9, 1962 Ron married Karen Bachelor of Valentine, Nebraska. They were married for 58 years and were blessed with two children, Kim and John.

Ron's primary career was with the Nebraska Brand Committee in Brown County. He worked with the state for 35 years and checked thousands of brands for ownership during that time.  Ron covered Brown County, but would frequently get calls to other counties in the area. He greatly enjoyed working with the ranchers and cattle industry.

Ron's passions included traveling, hunting, cheering on the Huskers, and being outdoors. His travels included three trips to Hawaii and four trips to Alaska. He did a lot of deer, turkey, and antelope hunting with his son John. He was probably most well known for his random acts of kindness which earned him the Nebraska Good Neighbor Award in 1989. He donated a lot of his time to helping his neighbors by doing various tasks such as mowing lawns, hauling trash, and cutting firewood. He did all these things for people with no expectations. Ron just enjoyed helping others. His greatest joy in life were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ron and Karen have seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, soon to be ten!

Ron is survived by his wife, Karen of Valentine; daughter, Kim (Leonard) Appleman of Johnstown, Nebraska; son, John (Twyla) Andrus of Yankton, South Dakota; grandchildren, Jamie (Luke) Bisbee, Jeff (Heaven) Appleman, Katie (Evan) Winters, Ciara (Ryan) Lammers, Rylie Andrus, Bryson Andrus, and Jaden Appleman;  great grandchildren, Isaac, Natalie, Owen, Blakelee, Brinlee, Johnna, Mason, Blake, and Preston; and sister, Karen (Richard) Ormesher of Valentine, Nebraska.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ralph.

Graveside service for Ron Andrus age 80 of Valentine will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 3:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.  Public visitation will be on Wed. Oct. 21 at 6:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.  Mr. Andrus passed away on Oct. 17 ^th in Vermillion, SD.