Leland Thomas Andrew, age 79, of Brainerd, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at his home.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter. Family and friends are invited to gather for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Brainerd.

Lee was born to Sam and Wilhelmina (Mann) Andrew on May 12, 1947 in Japan. Growing up with a father in the military, he spent much of his childhood traveling. He developed a love for flying and owned and operated Brainerd Helicopter Service for 45 years. Outside of work, he enjoyed big game hunting, fishing, watching racing and sports cars. He was hardworking, generous, and outgoing, with a great sense of humor and a talent for storytelling. He enjoyed visiting with people and sharing stories, but above all, his family meant the world to him. He loved spending time with his family and friends and valued the relationships he had with those closest to him.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edith; four daughters, Kari (Christian) Borle, Erika (Trevor Kampen) Andrew, Kirsten (Greg) Amundson, Sonja (Joe) Hall, Jason Andrew; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Bill (Sherida) Andrew, Lillian (Gary) Ligon, Stephen (Kathy) Andrew and Paula Vitale; and many other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Sean Andrew; brothers, Sam III, Dan and Robert and his parents.