Howard F. Wandrey, 94, of Kouts passed away Friday, January 23, 2026. He was born November 16, 1931, to Frederick & Ruth Wandrey, graduated from Kouts High School and served proudly with the U.S. Army. Howard made his career as a carpenter and general contractor, having built dozens of homes in the area over the decades. He also served as the Town of Kouts Building Inspector for numerous years. Howard was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and a loyal member of Kouts American Legion Post #301. His annual vegetable garden, appreciation for music, especially the Big Band era, and fishing trips with family to Kentucky & Minnesota have become legendary.
On January 6, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church he married Betty Marie Bodamer who preceded him in death on June 27, 2011. Survivors include their son, Brad Wandrey (Christine Snow) of Kouts and daughter-in-law, Martha Wandrey of Kouts. He was also preceded in death by one son, Greg Wandrey in 2024.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28th from 3 – 7 pm at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Kouts. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 29th beginning at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 507 S. Rose St., Kouts with burial to follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kouts American Legion or Kouts Volunteer Fire Department.
GUESTBOOK
Hello Brad I’m sorry to see that your father has passed away. I remember him from my days growing up in Kouts and going to St. Paul’s church. I will keep you in my prayers. -Sara (Rommelmann) Whitmer
Dear Brad, Chris and Martha, We were sorry to hear of your dad's passing. The town of Kouts and St. Paul Lutheran Church were blessed to have benefitted from his many good deeds. Like an uncle to me, he will always be fondly remembered. -Peg and Don Raderstorf and family
Brad Your Dad was the best when it came to building, he told me once when you build something you don’t wanna underbuilt it. You wanna overbuild it because if you underbuilt it everybody you’ll know it and if you overbuild it, they’ll never know it and I’ve always remember that. my thoughts and prayers go to you, Brad. -Joe Jarnecke.
Brad and Chrissy: My deepest condolences in the passing of your father. I am so happy that I had the privilege of knowing him and what a great guy he was. Enjoyed our little talks when we would run into each other. He will be missed by all who knew him. He led a fantastic life and always so upbeat and never let things get him down. Remember all the good times you had with him, especially taking him out to eat and enjoying his company. Cherish and hold all those memories close to your hearts. Heaven gained another saint! Prayers for comfort and peace! -Jeannene Schumacher
