Andrew Nesset

Andrew Scott Nesset was tragically taken from our community and his family on May 1st, 2021. He was known by all as a kind and gentle soul who had a natural ability to enjoy life, and he did just that for 52 love-filled years. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday May 22, 2021 at Decorah’s (upper) Twin Springs Park with Rev. David Sorenson presiding. Following the service, the family would be honored to have everyone join them for lunch in the upper level of T-Bock’s Bar & Grill. There will also be a Celebration of Life held on Andrew’s birthday, June 4th 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Wabun Picnic Area, Shelter C, in the Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN. All are welcome to join us for food and fellowship as we celebrate Andrew. Memorials may be sent to: 1468 Hallewood Blvd, New Richmond, WI 54017. Born June 4, 1968 in Postville, Iowa, Andrew was the eldest child of David and Alisann Nesset. Along with his sister, Rebecca, the family moved around a bit before finally settling in Burnsville, Minnesota. It was here that Andrew would form some of his most enduring relationships with friends from school and his neighborhood pal, Pat Reep. As a young man, Andrew could often be found with friends listening to his favorite musicians, like the Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden, or outdoors exploring and rock climbing. His remaining time was dedicated to nurturing his lifelong passion for reading and education. Andrew will forever be remembered as a dedicated educator and caring mentor. He obtained his B.A. in English Literature from Luther College in Decorah and his Masters degree at Idaho State University in Pocatello before beginning his career at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. For more than 20 years Andrew tirelessly endeavored to empower students and foster their educational pursuits. He impacted the lives of hundreds of students while garnering the respect of his colleagues. From his humble beginnings as an adjunct instructor, Andrew came to be known as an invaluable and dependable resource at Century. He was happy to lend a hand to the college community whenever he could, whether it was manning the grill at Student Success Days, assisting with graduation ceremonies, or serving on various committees, he could be counted on to do just about anything asked of him and more. Andrew truly enjoyed catching trout on the weekends for anyone on campus willing to take a fillet or two and was always happy to spend a few minutes discussing sports, especially when his beloved Minnesota Twins were the topic. He worked hard and spent many long hours at the school, earning respect and admiration from students and colleagues alike. His dedication was rewarded when he was elected Chair of the English department and a short time later became an academic dean of several technical and liberal arts programs. One colleague noted that when Andrew passed it was though a piece of Century College went with him. Though he was taken too soon, Andrew had a long list of accomplishments; none of which he was more proud than his family. Andrew met his wife, Stephanie Nadine Johnson in 1989 and they were married September 10, 1994. Their son, Rjis Alan Johnson Nesset, and daughter, Alexandra Scott Johnson Nesset, will remember him as a very doting dad, eager to do all he could to love them and guide them in this world. Andrew relished attending his children’s activities and joining in whenever possible. Moreover, beyond coaching them in little league and going to countless swim meets, baseball games, scout meetings, band concerts and so much more, Andrew thoroughly invested himself in their academics, even when he had to do so long distance. Andrew adored his family and loved them more than anything; even his hobbies were a means to spending more time with them. He enjoyed cooking for his family, who are especially grateful for his Sunday morning breakfasts and homemade blackberry jelly. He turned his interest in climbing rocks to polishing them as gifts for his family. He was always ready for a game of trivia or a family camping weekend at the river and had just gotten a boat of his own last fall. However, most of us will remember him as the best fisherman to grace any boat he stepped into and any trout stream into which he cast his line. He spent this past year shut in due to the pandemic (like so many of us), yet it never dampened his spirit. While he anxiously awaited that first opportunity to hit the trout stream this spring, Andrew remained, as always, the patient, kind, thoughtful, and ‘the calm voice in the storm’ that we all knew him to be. He never lost his youthful sense of humor or stopped looking for ways new to enjoy life by finding new parks to explore, new games to play with his family and spending lots of time with his newest best friend, Bubba, who misses him terribly. Andrew will forever be in all our hearts. Andrew is survived by his wife, Stephanie Johnson of New Richmond, WI. Children: Rjis and Alexandra Nesset. His dog, Bubba. Parents: David (Kathy) Nesset of Minneapolis, MN and Alisann (John) Poutinen of St. George, UT. Sister: Rebecca (Paul Spreitzer) Nesset of Minneapolis, MN. Step-siblings: Jeff (Dr. Lidia Zylowska) Dotterweich and Carolyn Dotterweich. Mother-in-law: Diane Johnson of Decorah. Sisters-in-law: Christine (Duane) Schacht of Decorah and Jennifer (Marty Faldet) Johnson of Lakeville, MN. Brother-in-law: Chad Johnson of Decorah. Nephews: Nathan (Ari) Maloney, Mac Faldet, and Noah Faldet. He was preceded by his grandparents: Eldred and Arla Nesset and Len and Edi Holmgren. Father-in-law: Kip Johnson. Niece: Brittany Johnson Schacht.