Obituary of Andrew Alexander Peel

Andrew "Andy" Alexander Peel entered eternal life on February 1, 2023 after his eighteen-month battle with cancer. Andrew was fifty-five years old. While deeply saddened by his death, Andrew’s family takes comfort in the knowledge his passing marks the end of his pain, and in their faith that they will see him again in God’s time.  

He was born in Denver, Colorado on March 18, 1967 to Pastor Paul R. and Lois Eichner Peel. Andrew moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado before his second birthday, and it is there he grew up, raised his family, and touched many bereaved families throughout his career as a Funeral Director.

Andrew and his brother, Brad, grew up running the grounds and hallways of First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where their father was Senior Pastor for over forty-eight years. Andrew graduated in 1985 from Wasson High School. There he met and married his first wife, and subsequently became a father to their two girls, Kristin and Kathryn "Katie". Upon graduating, Andrew chose a career path in Mortuary Service. While not high on the list of career choices for most eighteen-year-olds, Andrew had a deep compassion for those at the end of life and for their families. He graduated from The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1987 and began his career at Evergreen Funeral Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Serving families in their most difficult time was truly a calling for Andrew, and over his decades long career, he guided many grieving families though the process of honoring their loved ones’ passing.

Andrew also had an entrepreneurial spirit and investigated career endeavors outside of the funeral service. He enjoyed time as a commercially licensed truck driver, which ultimately led to his courier business, Top Gun Express. He owned and operated TGE with his second wife, Wendy, for twelve years.

Andrew met Wendy and her three children, Adam, Ryan, and Megan in 1999. They married in 2000 and welcomed their son, Hunter, in 2002. Hunter enlisted in the Navy, a great source of pride for Andrew, upon his 2020 graduation from Woodland Park High School. Hunter was granted hardship leave to spend this past year with his dad.

Andrew will be remembered for his bright mind and wonderful sense of humor. Even on his last days, he compelled those in the room to laugh through tears. His passions included American history, cars, good movies, music, and computers. Supporting families in their time of sorrow, however, remained his calling, his passion, and his gift. He returned to his career as a Funeral Director in 2018 at The Springs Funeral Services, and remained in service to families for as long as his health permitted.

Andrew carried with him a deep faith, giving him courage and comfort, especially these past months. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Mathew 7:13-14 spoke to Andrew and guided him as he battled his disease a full year longer than his diagnosis indicated feasible.

Andrew is preceded in death by his grandparents, Pastor Myron and Dorothy Eichner; and his Uncle, Kenneth Eichner.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Peel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; parents, Pastor Paul R. Peel and Lois Eichner Peel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; children in the order of birth, Ryan Bankes of Pueblo, Colorado, Kristin (Jason Yeager) Peel of Aurora, Colorado, Adam (Karly) Bankes of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Megan (Bradley) Bardessona of Cedaredge, Colorado, Katie (John Sealman) Peel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Hunter Peel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Bradley (Jillian) Peel of Monument, Colorado; seven grandchildren in the order of birth, Malachi, Landon, Fallyn, Daniel, Caelum, Reagan, and Karlee; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Rose Swanson of Woodland Park, Colorado; brother-in-law, Scott Swanson of Woodland Park, Colorado; and nephews, Bennett and Samuel Peel of Monument, Colorado, Derrick Swanson of Rochester, Minnesota, Matthew Swanson of South Carolina, and Dillon Swanson of Nevada. 

Condolences and well-wishes for the family may be sent to 810 Vindicator Drive, #311 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919.

Visitation, 6:00PM-8:00PM, Wednesday, February 8, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.

Funeral Service, 10:30AM, Thursday, February 9, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.

Graveside Service, 12:30PM, Thursday, February 9, 2023, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.

Reception, 1:30PM, Thursday, February 9, 2023, First Lutheran Church - Peel House, 1515 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907.