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Brian H Andreen

August 15, 1934 - January 19, 2023
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Brandon Solarez

Avenidas Cremation & Burial

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Brian H Andreen

August 15, 1934 - January 19, 2023

Brian H. Andreen was born in Superior, Wisconsin on August 15, 1934 and passed away in Tucson, Arizona on January 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Esther Andreen and his sister, Elaine Andreen Solie. Brian graduated from Superior Central High School and Superior State College (now University of Wisconsin, Superior). 
During his school years he worked at his family’s marine laundry business that serviced Great Lakes grain and ore boats, operating and repairing machinery and delivering laundry to the boats. He met Jackie Johnson, who lived across the bay in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1954. A toll bridge connected the two cities and it cost Brian a substantial amount of money to date her for two years, but it was the best money he ever spent! 

They married in 1956 and moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where Brian earned a Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Florida State University, after which they moved to Chicago where Brian did research at the Illinois Institute of Gas Technology. 
In 1964 he accepted a position at Research Corporation for Science Advancement, a private foundation that funds basic research in the physical sciences. He began as a regional director, serving the Chicago office, then the Minneapolis office, finally being transferred to the Tucson headquarters when the foundation consolidated operations there in 1983. 

He became Coordinator of their newly expanded grants program, Director of Programs for Science Research and Education, and in 1992 was appointed Vice President. He developed two programs at RCSA – the Partners in Science program which funded research opportunities for high-school teachers to work with research scientists at colleges and universities, and the Cottrell Scholar Program which has supported more than 500 outstanding early career teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy. He also helped found and served as executive secretary of the Council on Undergraduate Research, which has grown to nearly 700 institutions and more than 13,000 individual members from around the world.

Brian and Jackie made many road trips across the country with their four children in the back of the station wagon. According to the kids, Brian stopped and read aloud every word of every historical marker along the way! Besides his passion for science education, Brian had many other interests and hobbies. He was an avid reader, enjoyed hunting and fishing, sports, flying, music, cooking, stamp and coin collecting, old cars, steam engines and airplanes. He was a do-it-yourself guy who received great pleasure in helping others fix things. He had a quick and unrelenting sense of humor, sometimes so spontaneous it would leave him laughing heartily at his own jokes! When it came to sports, the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Wildcats, and Green Bay Packers were his favorite teams, much to his Vikings-loving wife’s chagrin.

From childhood Brian had a deep, unwavering faith in God. Wherever he lived he would be actively involved in his church. He was a Teacher, Deacon, Elder, Missions Board member, Stephen’s Minister and loved singing in the choir. For several years he served on the Board of Trustees of the St. Paul Bible College (newly named Crown College) in Minnesota.
Psalm 34:8 was a favorite Bible verse that he learned as a young child: “O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him”. With a big smile on his face he would substitute the word “boy” for “man” and then go happily on his way knowing the One who would guide him throughout his life.

Brian will be deeply missed by many friends and family: Jackie, his wife of 66 years, daughters Karin Andreen, Laurie Andreen Grygiel (Andy), Carole Andreen Harris (Lemorris) and son Eric Andreen (Julie), grandchildren Ingrid, Andy, Annelise, Alix, Charles and Hannah, and great-grandchildren Forest and Brooks. Also many much-loved nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Marlene, brother-in-law Maurie, and best friend of over 70 years, Dick Solie, and all the other Solie’s, his adopted family.

Memorials in Brian’s name may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona or the Tucson Gospel Rescue Mission. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at Catalina Foothills Church, 2150 East Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85718.

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Condolences 8

Beth McElmury Uncle Brian was a very special and favorite uncle. He was loved so much. We always looked forward to his visits with us in Cody, Wyoming. His big smile and laughter lit up the room. I have so many fond memories of him. When I was little, he had a pet name for me. He called me "Beth Antelope" because I was always running here and there as fast as I could. He also used to sing me the song, "Home on the Range, where the deer and Beth antelope play....". He had so many interesting stories to tell. All of us have been so blessed to have him in our family. We grieve and will greatly miss him, but at the same time rejoice that he is in heaven with the Savior he loves and he is having the time of his life with all the family members that have gone on before him. Uncle Brian is now part of the welcoming committee for those of us who will follow. Beth McElmury
about 1 year ago

Pete & Venda Schmid Brian was a wonderful and exciting neighbor, always with a big smile, interesting stories, and abundant laughs. Brian shared his famous cinnamon rolls and we returned German pancakes. He will be sadly missed but was a bright light as a neighbor and friend. ~ Pete and Venda Schmid
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter We love Uncle Brian so much! Growing up, listening to his stories being told alongside of Uncle Dick and Uncle Maurie was one of our very favorite pastimes. And now another generation cherishes that, as Rachel feels the same way. He made us laugh and we are so thankful that God gave him to us as an uncle. We are so excited for his sake, that he is enjoying life with his Savior now, but we grieve and are sad because we will miss him. Praying for all of you and sending much love, Suzi, David and Rachel
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter
about 1 year ago

Suzi Baxter
about 1 year ago

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