Andy Klaus Roesel

Andy Roesel, a loving husband, doting father and loyal son with a fun-loving spirit, died in a tragic accident during a family vacation in Hawaii on Dec. 4. He was 47. Andy was known for his generosity and willingness to help anyone at any time. Even if friends moved away, Andy would drop everything if they were in need of support. Married to Cal Lutheran women's volleyball coach, Kellee Roesel, Andy's life changed forever when their daughter, Else, was born in 2009. His little Else Pie was the center of Andy's world and could make his heart melt with just one look. Andy was born on Feb. 7, 1970 in Goppingen, Germany. He was the only child of Nada and Pete Roesel. The family moved from their home in Hohenstaufen, Germany to Chicago when Andy was 2, and eventually relocated to Thousand Oaks in 1979. Although his stay in Chicago was short, Andy developed a lifelong loyalty to all Chicago professional sports teams. He nearly cried tears of joy when the Cubs ended more than a century of frustration by winning the World Series in 2016. Andy grew up in Thousand Oaks with a group of buddies that remained best friends no matter how much distance came between them. They would watch pro wrestling on television during the early 1980's and re-enact the moves in Andy's bedroom, infuriating his mother by knocking things off the walls. Andy's friends always knew when his parents were really mad because they would begin speaking in German. After Andy received his permit, he would drive his friends to the mall by convincing his grandmother to come along for the ride. He'd squeal the tires, claim it was an accident and wink at his buddy in the backseat. Andy's dad owned the Exxon gas station on Hampshire Road in Westlake, and he worked there with his friends during high school. They would pump gas, fix cars and just hang out for hours after their shifts. Andy played football, baseball and wrestled at Thousand Oaks High, and was a member of the 1987 CIF-SS championship football team his senior year. Andy met Kellee through a mutual friend. He introduced himself to her twice the first day they met, and instantly knew she was his soulmate. They bonded over their shared love of music, movies, comedy and sports. It took only six months for Andy to propose. He popped the question on Valentine's Day, and the two were married on Oct. 11, 1997. By marrying Kellee, Andy knew he was also making a commitment to many more women. Kellee's volleyball players all became a part of the Roesel family. Andy understood the sacrifices required in being a coach's spouse, and fully supported every step of Kellee's career. He endured long nights in the gym, late arrivals home after practice and last-minute scheduling changes. He helped Kellee celebrate the big wins and listened to her vent after the bad losses. Andy was the “voice on the mic” for CLU volleyball as the PA announcer for home matches. He would roll through the starting lineups at such a rapid pace that even fans were left gasping for air. Andy was the friendly face visiting officials saw when they approached the scorer's table, and always fair-handed to both teams while calling the action. Andy worked as a software salesman at MetroSwitch, a telecommunications contractor in Simi Valley. He loved cooking and having friends over to the house for meals. He would never turn down a glass of Justin Wine and loved to display his quick wit and sarcasm. During his free time, Andy enjoyed golfing, snowboarding and playing bass guitar in his band Vibe Merchant. Andy never forgot his German roots. He cheered for Germany during its World Cup title run in 2014, and prepared German-inspired meals for family members to eat as they watched. Andy remained loyal to Germany right down to his favorite automobile, a Volkswagen Vanagon that transported the family on many camping trips and beach excursions. Andy was never afraid to laugh at himself. He would dress up in wacky costumes for Halloween and make funny faces for pictures. The best part of Andy's day always revolved around Else. He coached her soccer and softball teams, and read to her every night before she went to bed. Although their time together was cut way too short, they squeezed a lifetime of memories into her first eight years. Else Pie has been, and will always be, daddy's little girl. Andy leaves behind his wife, daughter, parents and hundreds of friends and players who came to love him like family. A memorial service to commemorate Andy will be held Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at CLU's Samuelson Chapel, located at 165 Chapel Lane in Thousand Oaks.