Andrew Peter Kingsbury

HOFF FUNERAL SERVICE, RUSHFORD Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Andrew Kingsbury was a gift to those around him. He was a fun-loving and vibrant man with a heart that was as generous as they come. Andy was both adventurous and laid back with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were within his reach. He loved playing with his nephews, perhaps because he was such a kid at heart, as he also enjoyed being with his family whenever he could. Although life will never be the same without Andy here, his spirit will remain alive through those he leaves behind.The eighties were a decade to remember. Aerobics, minivans, and camcorders were among the latest fads while Michael Jackson and Madonna became household names. The Smurfs, E.T., and Cabbage Patch dolls entertained our nation's youth, and movies like Beverly Hills Cop and Back to the Future were box office hits. It was during this exciting time that a young couple from Waseca, Minnesota, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome their healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on December 8, 1984. Andrew Peter was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Allan and Linda (Peterson) Kingsbury, and was joined in his family by his three siblings, Teresa, Chad, and Allison. While growing up he moved with his family a bit to the east to rural Peterson, Minnesota.In many ways Andy experienced an upbringing that was typical for young boys of his generation. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson. He was a talented athlete who played football and basketball in addition to throwing shot put & discus with track in high school. Andy was a member of the local 4-H and excelled in industrial arts. He was selected as Minnesota American Legion Boys State participant representing the Peterson American Legion. Additionally, he played the baritone beginning as an elementary student and continuing all the way through high school. After graduating from high school in 2003, Andy enrolled in the carpentry program at Rochester Community and Technical College. While there he played football for the Yellow Jackets and played in the Heart of Texas Bowl. He was a fantastic carpenter who made numerous pieces for family & friends. Andy was always talking about the next project.All who knew Andy would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was the best listener, but always had an opinion. He was willing to help anyone in whatever way he could. Andy loved his family, and it was clear to see that he adored his three nephews, Brennan, Kole, and Evan. The boys loved fishing, wrestling, riding four-wheeler, and whipping donuts in the sandpit with Andy. He was a dog lover who had three dogs through the years including a husky named Blue Eyes in addition to Sadie and Maddie. All of his dogs held a special place in his heart.Throughout his life Andy was almost always doing something. He enjoyed being a carpenter and was most recently employed as a journeyman carpenter at Market and Johnson Inc., which was a job he loved with a bright future.Andy enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was an avid fisherman who took an annual fishing trip up north and he looked forward to the Annual Trout Opener/Trap Shooting Event. Andy enjoyed deer hunting with his dad and brother and spending time in their hunting shack. He liked riding his motorcycle whenever he could. Also content just to relax, Andy loved to canoe down the Root River without ever using a paddle. Although he was known for his strong work ethic, his attention to detail, and his unending generosity toward others, it was the love that Andrew Kingsbury had for his family & friends that will be his shining legacy. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved woodworking and heading out on the open road on his motorcycle, but he just may have argued that nothing beat rolling around on the floor with his nephews. Andy leaves behind a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will be a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of his many friends and loved ones.Andrew Peter Kingsbury, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, January 5, 2014. Andy's family includes his parents, Allan and Linda Kingsbury of Peterson, MN; grandmothers, Eulah Kingsbury of Lanesboro, MN and Olive A. Peterson of Peterson, MN; three siblings, Teresa (Andrew) Pederson of Weston, WI, Chad (Kari) Kingsbury of Trempealeau, WI, and Allison Kingsbury and her fiancé, Jeffrey Miller of Northfield, MN; three nephews, Brennan, Kole, and Evan; uncles and aunts, Wayne and Sherry Kingsbury, and Gary and Judy Kingsbury; and by three cousins, Wendy, Steve, and Matt. Andy is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Robert Kingsbury and Oscar Peterson. Those serving as pallbearers will be Chad Kingsbury, Andrew Pederson, Steve Kingsbury, Matt Kingsbury, Charles Horihan, Kevin Horihan, Chad Phillips, Michael Phillips, & Jarod Chiglo. Honorary pallbearers are Brennan Pederson, Kole Pederson, & Evan Kingsbury. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, MN. Reverend Kerry Eversole and Peter Huggenvik will officiate. Visit with Andy's family and friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, MN, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the West Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Peterson, MN. Leave a memory of Andy, sign his online guestbook and view his tribute video when it becomes available.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/459622