Andrew J. Engelhardt – Austin Daily Herald
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Andrew James Engelhardt (known to everyone as Andy) suddenly passed away on Saturday October 2, 2021. He leaves behind his parents Jon and Ginger Engelhardt and his sister Leah, and his beloved brother Matthew Engelhardt precedes him in death. His spirit is carried on by his three children, Lydia, Jeremiah and Malachi, and his beloved wife, Jamie, along with an extended family of relatives and friends from all walks of life.
To comfort us in our sadness, Andy filled the smoker and gathered us around the campfire to share great food and long deep conversations. He had a calm faith that was reinforced by his persistent caring for people and meaningful relationships. To be at the table with loved ones was to share in the presence of God.
Andy was born on September 14, 1984 in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He spent a large part of his youth at “Gumm Gambles”, the honorary name for an extended family.
In Austin he befriended the girl around the corner who would eventually become his wife. He and Jamie moved to Westmont, Illinois, where they dared their greatest achievement as a couple – parents to Lydia, Jeremiah and Malachi. It would not be without his hardships – hospital visits, surgeries, huge losses. But Andy brought a calm force to life in the Engelhardt house.
As a father, Andy always knew what the children needed to hear at a given time. Always present and attentive, he was a great listener when gentleness was required – a total sucker when the moment demanded it.
But his well-timed follies weren’t just for the kids. He had a mischievous side. A healthy dose of inappropriate humor and sarcasm reserved for his acquaintances, sometimes exclusively his wife.
The simplest joys in life gave Andy great pleasure. Playing the drums was as much an instrument of worship as it was a passionate hobby. He found beauty in making, with a talented hand in woodwork, bread-making, and meat-smoking. He inherited the family’s passion for golf – both playing and watching. Many of his happiest memories with his late brother Matt (“the better golfer”) were made on the golf course. Andy’s last tee shot landed 8 inches from the pin on the 18th hole in Willow Crest a few weeks ago on September 21st – “Beat that one Matt!”
Andy was undeniably a man of tradition. When the church celebrated together, he was often the toast master. Whether he’s making a toast, sharing a story, handing out the cigars, pouring the scotch, or “passing the boot,” he shines at the opportunity to celebrate and honor others’ victories in life.
A funeral service for Andy will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1800 12th St SW, Austin, MN 55912 on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The family will need face masks during the service. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin supports the family with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.worlein.com.
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