W. Boss

Boss
W. Andrew "Andy"
Banker and Community Leader
Age 81 of St. Paul
Andy loved people. He was genuinely kind, soft-spoken and a great listener. Whoever he spoke with had his full attention When asked, Andy would give thoughtful advice. He encouraged people to use their talents and helped bring out the best in those he touched. Many people call him their mentor. Andy loved St Paul and, through his lifetime, gave extensively of his time, talents and leadership in support of the community. His idea of leadership was simply to bring people together over common goals. While his family and friends are proud of the legacy he left, simply listing the many organizations and agencies he was involved with over the years does not serve as a measure of the man. Still a few highlights should be mentioned. Andy served as a MnSCU trustee, as well as President or Chair of the Chicago Jaycees, the St. Paul Rotary, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Metropolitan State University Foundation, Ramsey County Historical Society and Northern Clay Center.

Andy delighted in celebrating the achievements of others, yet was very modest himself. He would wish we wouldn't mention his many awards, which notably include the Outstanding Achievement (UofM), Legacy of Leadership (StP Chamber) and Spurgeon (BSA). The St. Paul Public Housing Authority honored his many years of commitment to public housing by naming their Central Office Bldg. for him; and Park Square Theatre will soon be opening its new Andy Boss Thrust Stage.

Andy was a peaceful man. He loved sitting on the dock, listening to the birds singing, and watching the night sky. Though he was very much a community man, his wife and family were of utmost importance. He loved them unconditionally. We like to tell people, he always made sure that calls from his children were put through to him.

Andy graduated with the St. Paul Central High School class of 1950. He received his B. A. from the U of M and was a member of SAE Fraternity. He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Business. He served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His banking career began at Continental Bank in Chicago in 1956, followed by his helping found National City Bank in Minneapolis in 1964. He became president of St. Anthony Park Bank in 1970, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, a founding director and his father, a director. Andy soon became owner of that bank.

Andy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on March 12, 2014. Preceded in death by his parents, Wallace L. and Charlotte (Wells) Boss; son David Andrew Boss and brother Garrett "Gary" Boss. Survived by wife of 28 years, Linda; children, Cathleen Gruen (John), Christine Kiebert-Boss, Wallace Boss, Kevin McCarthy, Kathleen Robertson (James), Michael Boss, Mary Boss, James Boss, Michael Phillips (Alisa) and Kari Phillips (Devang); grandchildren, Charlotte, John Andrew and Coeleen, Allison & Derek, Cole & Wells, Jack and Kayleigh & Gregory; sister, Janet Albers; many nieces and nephews.

Gathering Thursday, March 20th from 4-8PM with a time of sharing at 7PM at BRADSHAW, 678 South Snelling Avenue at Eleanor, St. Paul. Memorial Service Friday, March 21st at 1PM at HOUSE OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 797 Summit Avenue, St. Paul. Private interment Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider contributing to House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Rotary International, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, St. Anthony Park Community Foundation or to a charity of your choice.