Andrew James Mietchen

Andrew James 'Andy' Mietchen was born May 25, 1921, at Waverly, Kansas. He was the son of Fritz Oscar and Myrtle Iva (Vaughn) Mietchen. Andy grew up in Waverly, Kansas, moving to Wichita, Kansas, where he lived for five years. Following his military service, he lived in Waverly, until moving to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, in 1947, where he made his home until his death Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the age of eighty-two years. Andy graduated from Waverly High School with the class of 1939, and attended a government sponsored vocational school in Wichita. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. In 1955, Andy purchased Ottawa Insulation and, in 1970, changed the name to Andy's Siding Company. Andy sold the business to Taylor Brothers in 1986 and worked for them for two more years, retiring in 1988. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church of Ottawa; Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons), where Andy received his fifty-year pin; former member of Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and, Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles of Ottawa. On May 24, 1939, Andy was united in marriage with Roberta Lucille Bidleman. She preceded him in death February 9, 1970. On September 19, 1970, he married Vera Maxine (Guy) Ames at Ottawa. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two sons, Jon Gary Mietchen and his wife, Vicki, of Kimberling City, MO, James 'Jim' Mietchen and his wife, Debra, of Baldwin City, KS; two daughters, Linda Clevenger and her husband, Ron, of Ottawa, Connie Lynn Mietchen of Corozal Belize, Central America; stepson, Daniel R. Ames and his wife, Becky, of Ottawa; four stepdaughters, Vera Corbin and her husband, Bill Coltrane, of Baldwin City, Judith F. Ames of Edmond, OK, Mary Susan Duckworth of Wichita, Ellen Stadnick and her husband, Robert, of Summerset, CA; sister, Ellen Louise Parish of Peoria, IL; twenty-four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and three great-great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Mietchen. Services: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary Friday, August 1, 2003.. Officiating Clergy: Ron Kimes In State: Mr. Mietchen will lie in state after Noon Wednesday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7-8 Thursday evening. Cemetery: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas Memorials: The family suggests memorials to First Assembly of God Church of Ottawa c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.dengelmortuary.com.