Andrea Lynn Kauder
January 1, 1973 -
April 5, 2026
Our Andrea
Andrea Lynn Kauder, age 53, of Waconia, MN, passed away on April 5, 2026.
With hearts that ache beyond words, we want to share that our Andrea, my beautiful wife and the most loving mom to Harrison and Bianca, has fallen asleep in death after a 3 1/2-year fight with cancer.
There aren't words big enough to express what she meant to us.
For 28 years, Andrea was my best friend. The one I laughed with, leaned on, and walked through life with every day. She made our home feel happy and full of love. To Harrison (20) and Bianca (18), she was everything a mom could be. Encouraging, loving, kind, and always there. She thought about us constantly. Whether it was something big or small, she just wanted us to be happy, to grow, and to be okay. That is who she was.
Even at her lowest, she never focused on herself. She kept asking about others, making people laugh, and encouraging everyone around her. She made everyone else feel cared for, even though all you wanted to do was care for her.
Andrea lived her life with a deep love for Jehovah. Her faith wasn't just something she believed; it was something she lived every day, shaping how she loved people and faced every challenge, including this one. Knowing she is safe in His memory and that one day we will see her beautiful smile again, hear her voice, and hold her means more to us than we can say. We hold firm to the hope of seeing her resurrected here on earth, healthy and full of life. (Daniel 12:13)
Though our loss is profound and her absence deeply felt, we hold tightly to the memories. So many beautiful, irreplaceable ones. Moments of laughter, amazing conversations, listening to great music, sharing family moments, and the countless ways she showed her love. We're grateful for every moment of the life we shared with her. Andrea was our heart. She still is.
We miss her every single day. And we hold on to the love she gave us, because that will never leave.
Forever your husband,
Josh
Always your children,
Harrison & Bianca
F A M I L Y
Andrea is survived by her loving family:
Husband Joshua; son Harrison and daughter Bianca; father Henry Bruestle; sisters Debbie Odean, Dawn Tieben (Mike), Heidi Blomquist (Brad), Francheska Wortman (Dan); brothers Keith Bruestle (Kelly), Mike Bruestle (Tiffany); sister-in-law Tanya Knisely (Karl); brother-in-law Alex Rasmussen (Suzanne); nephews Logan Knisely, Skuyler Knisely, Hudson Knisely, Cooper Knisely, Ezra Knisely, Ben Odean; nieces Michaela Clark, Alixandrea Tsai, Rachael Wilson, Danika and Cordelia Wortman, Sophia, Selia and Sianna Bruestle.
Andrea was preceded in death by:
Mother Shirley Bruestle; father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Ute Kauder; and brother-in-law Arnie Odean.
Memorial Service
WHEN
Saturday, May 23, 2026
3:00 PM Central
WHERE
Hazeltine National Golf Club
1900 Hazeltine Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
Unable to attend in person?
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82843469610?pwd=Wa77d4AYlaLH1uQXMf90dYzsLJNHXW.1
Meeting ID: 828 4346 9610
Passcode: DAN1213
Guestbook
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Dear Kauder and Brustle Family:
You have been in our prayers many times throughout the past 3 years and now again at this time. We pray that the wonderful hope that our beautiful Father Jehovah provides gives you the strength and peace to continue forward until that hope becomes reality. The happy day will come when you will once again see your wife, mom, daughter, sister, and auntie.
Sending our love and deep compassion to you all. 💕
Chance and Heather
Dear family,
Although I did not get to know Andrea, I look forward to meeting her in the new world. From the memorial talk today, learned what a loving and cherished servant of Jehovah she was. Only Jehovah knows how each of you are feeling after this lost and he will continue to give you strength and comfort to keep coping as we get closer to seeing Andrea again.
I’m sending you lots of love and hugs!
Bernice
I didn’t know you, Josh and family, but I feel better for having attended the zoom memorial. I shed tears almost right away during the opening photo montage. She was clearly a precious sister and I look forward to meeting her someday. Won’t be long now. (Please keep working with me Jehovah)
Words can’t express how much Jayleen and I cherish our memories with Andrea. We feel we have the best family imaginable because of special people like Josh, Harrison, Bianca, and our amazing Andrea. The memorial you three put together for Andrea truly gave her honor. The pictures touched our hearts. Jayleen and I can’t wait to be with the family in person and give you all big hugs. We love you so much. -Jordan & Jayleen
Dearest Family,
I didn’t have the opportunity to meet your family, but I can see Josh, that she was loved very much by you and your kids. It was evident today that her love for Jehovah shined bright in everything she did from sunrise to sunset. She was faithful until she took her last breath. She was so very brave and strong. I also am so glad she is in no more pain. I have known the Bruestle family since I was in my early 20s. So I am sure I have met dear Andrea. Christine’s story brought me to tears. It truly shows the power of Jehovah’s Holy Spirit, love, and true friendship. I only wish, I had such a great friendship when I was 14. I’m sure Andrea touched many more lives in her years of dedicated service to Jehovah. The memorial today was so beautiful. You captured her in the most amazing way as a friend, sister, daughter, wife and mother.
I will keep your family in my prayers along with the Bruestle family, extended families and friends during this difficult time. We all will be waiting to welcome her in the New World soon. Agape Love ❤️
Growing up with Harrison and Bianca, I got to know Andrea very well as a loving mother. She was full of love in everything she did, even when she called you out for bad behavior. My heart goes out to Josh and her kids. I love you all <3
Dear Josh and family. You are all in our prayers and we know Jehovah will continue to comfort and support you. We have happy memories of you and Andrea in field service when we were in Chan. The kids were small and so fun to be with. We pray for your memories to give you peace and calm your heart. We are grateful we were able to see Andrea several years ago at a graduation party and hug her and express our love and hopes for her health. Her positive attitude and loving heart will surely be missed, but for just a time until we all see her again. Our confidence in the certain future we are eager for and your family and brotherhood can give you strength through this sad time. We love you all 💕
Having recently lost my wife on a close timeline to yours and knowing of you guys having met a few times my heart goes out to you and your family. When one hurts we all hurt. We have such a beautiful extensive family in the truth which will be a big help for you and your family. The days and changes are hard, be sure to lean on the friends and let them care for you. Of course you best help Is Jehovah and you will be amazed at the help he will Provide. Keep a focus on the future when both our wives will be heathy again.
My thoughts along with my prayers are with you for comfort
your brother, Kevin Lithgow
I've been really good friends with Rachel and got to meet Andrea a few times over the last 20 years. Whether it was at pool day at Debbie's, at Rachel's shower and wedding, Andrea was always kind and warm. Someone you felt like you've always known. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss and can't wait until you have a wonderful reunion in paradise
I have known Andrea since 1996 when I met her family after I moved to Eagan. I always remember her wonderful, caring and bubbly personality. Jehovah is such a loving God to give us the chance to see her again in perfect health. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, Josh and family.