Richard Michael Andrews, age 58 of Freeport, IL, passed away on January 29, 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Rick was born in Sterling, IL to Dorothy (Katie) Kaiser and John Andrews on October 10, 1962. He graduated high school from Lena, IL in 1980, and later went on to earn an Electrical Engineering degree from UW Platteville. He was married for 33 years to Kristen (Reichert) Andrews. He was blessed to be the father of two girls, Haley (Andrews) Hollis and Allison Andrews. He also had two son-in-law's he loved; Elliott Hollis and Nathan Wood. He was the Grandfather to Emma and Mia Hollis, who were his pride and joy.

He was very creative and talented in many ways. Rick worked at Honeywell for twenty-eight years as an Electrical Engineer; during which time he assisted in developing several patents.

Rick was very involved with music in the community. He played in over 20 musicals, as well as the Jazz Band at Highland Community College over the years. He enjoyed giving music lessons at church to anyone wanting to learn. Rick played in many bands over the years, the last one being The Usual Suspects. He tried his hand at acting and starred in several plays at Winneshiek Theatre. His witty humor and sarcasm will be missed.

Rick took his creativity to another level when making salsa. He enjoyed experimenting and inventing new flavors. He was encouraged by friends and family to start making it commercially. This is how Rico's Gourmet Foods was established.

Immanuel Lutheran church was a very important part of his life. He appreciated the church family he had. He served as an Elder for several years and also played in the praise band.

He was survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was also survived by his siblings Jon Andrews, Rosa (Andrews) Adams and Bill Andrews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; Dorothy (Katie) Kaiser and John Andrews, his sister Mary Jo (Andrews) Triplett, and his father-in-law Michael Reichert.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Freeport.

**A CELBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD jULY 10 @ 11AM AT THE KRAPE PARK BAND SHELL IN FREEPORT - ALL ARE WELCOME..  LIVE MUSIC WITH THE USUAL SUSPECTS  AT 2PM AND THE JAZZ ALLIANCE AT 12:30PM**