White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – William G. "Bodie" Andrews, 71 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Keystone Nursing Care Center in Keystone, Iowa, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. – Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, followed by a light lunch to continue the Celebration of Life at Denali’s on the River in Independence.

Memorial visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until services, at the church, on Friday.

Military honors will be accorded by Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440 and Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post 30, assisted by the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

William George Andrews was born May 12, 1955, in Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of William George and Mary Talmadge (Garrett) Andrews. A family friend soon gave him the nickname “Bodie,” and it stuck. He attended school in Jesup, Iowa, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1972, and served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to home, Bodie completed his education at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa, and started working as a CNC operator. He ultimately retired from Geater Manufacturing in Independence, Iowa.

On August 30, 1991, Bodie married the former, Janet (Holst) Irwin, in Independence, Iowa. Together, they loved to travel and antique all over the country. Family was important to Bodie, and time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the most cherished times he had. Bodie was a natural carpenter and a talented woodworker. He loved to hunt and ride his motorcycle. His faith was strong, and he loved his church, the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence. Regardless of the project, Bodie would pour his energy, time, and talent into helping the church thrive.

Bodie is survived by his daughters, Heather Andrews of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lori (Chad) Albright of Cedar Rapids, and Jennifer (Brent) Pettigrew of Center Point, Iowa; five grandchildren, Brooke Albright, Paige (Duncan) Smeins, Jordan (Chelsea) Bellendier, Ellea Kreb, Khloe Pettigrew; four great-grandchildren Blakely, Watson, J.T., and Blane; one brother, Marty (Kathy) Andrews of Averill, New York; four sisters, Dorothy McKnight of Oceola, Iowa, Hazle (Tag) French of Tulalip, Washington, Wilda Solberg of Shellsburg, Iowa, Martha (Bob) Barnes of Highland Ranch, Colorado; and one sister-in-law, Gloria Andrews of Des Moines, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Andrews; his parents; one brother, Robert Andrews; one sister Betty (Dale) Lorenz; and two brothers-in-law, Steve McKnight and Rod Solberg.

Memorials may be directed to the family to given to organizations important to Bodie.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence is caring for the family.