Andrew Ray Spicher, 58, passed away at his home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, July 5, 2024, after a courageous, 8-year battle with cancer.
Andy was born Nov. 2, 1965, to Raymond and Diane (Stumpf) Spicher. He grew up in a large family surrounded by five older sisters and one younger brother in the tiny community of Joetown, Iowa. A graduate of Mid-Prairie High School, he was known for his quiet demeanor, quick wit and kind nature. It was during high school where he met his sweetheart, Shelia, whom he would marry five year later on Sept. 9, 1989. Andy furthered his education with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, followed by a Masters Degree from The Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis.
With his education behind him, Andy settled down in Prior Lake, Minnesota where he spent the next 22 years raising his family. He was a devoted husband and father but also a dedicated professional. His most recent tenure was with Bluestem Brands, Eden Prairie, where he served as a vice president in various roles within the company. Andy had an aptitude for learning and was constantly building upon his wealth of knowledge in both his professional and personal life. He was a curious soul who could often be found researching his newest interest.
He developed a passion for woodworking and could often be found in his workshop building heirloom furniture which he graciously gave away to his family and friends. The workshop was just one of the many joys he experienced after fulfilling a lifelong dream to own a cabin in the Minnesota Northwoods. For eight years, the same eight years he battled cancer, he found solace in his beloved cabin on the shore of Bear Island Lake in Ely, Minnesota.
Andy was a diehard Iowa Hawkeye fan who loved music, reading, cooking, football, fishing, craft beer, playing games and fast cars but above all else… his family. Nothing made him happier than a room filled with their laughter and nothing fulfilled him more than seeing that they were provided for. Andy always gave of himself and that was reflected in the way he was respected by his friends and peers who often sought him for his wisdom and advice. He was a likable guy who would most often be found wearing a “life is good” t-shirt because that was exactly how he felt. He worked hard, played hard, loved hard and cherished every day he was able to spend with us on this earth.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 35 years: Shelia; their two children: Alexandra and Zachary; his sisters: Dawn Spicher of Kalona, Valerie Spicher of Kalona, Robin (Gerald) McLaughlin of Kensington, Maryland, Cindy (Rick) Surly of Kalona, and Crystal (Jim) Freese of Kalona; brother: Barry (Amy) Spicher of Iowa City; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his father Raymond and his mother Diane.
Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life at the Kalona Makers Market, located at 720 14th St. in Kalona, Iowa from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Guests are encouraged to embrace Andy’s motto by wearing a “Life is Good” hat or T-shirt in his honor.
