Cudjoe Key, FL – Andy Sherman Furuseth went to Heaven May 9, 2023 and joined his soul family; mom, Kristi (Kaushagen) Furuseth, Jon Furuseth, both sets of grandparents, Gordon Kaushagen and Lavonne Thune, step grandfather, Donald Thune, Leonard Furuseth, and Millie Furuseth; Uncle Kyle Kaushagen, Aunt Larae Kaushagen, and Cousin Lona Moen.
We are comforted by thoughts of Andy’s divine reunion in Heaven being an incredible coming home party! However, there are many soul family members that he has left behind; Andy’s girlfriend of many years, Kelly McKenzie; his best friend, Melby; his three siblings, brother Cole and children: Damon, Nate, Taylor, Tanner; brother Ben (Melissa) and children: Connor Furuseth and Kylie Zblewski; sister Katie; aunts and uncles, Sandra (Furuseth) Gaffney and children: Annie and Breanna; Judy (Richard) Olson; Luke Kaushagen (special friend Beth); Daniel Kaushagen; Mary Jane (Roger) Paradis; Mark (Cynthia) Kaushagen; Joy Kaushagen; Evie Kaushagen; as well as many cousins and dear friends.
For those of us left behind it’s hard to imagine not seeing his beautiful smile and hearing his goofy laugh, or anticipating his healing hugs. We have so many fun memories from Andy’s life. Even as a young child he had a very spiritual “vibe.” In many of his young pictures he would hold his hands together in prayer. He even looked like a precious moments doll! With his “towhead” blonde hair and crystal blue eyes, he truly always had a spark of the divine in him. He also had a wonderfully playful spirit as well. Andy enjoyed pranks and joking around with friends and family as a predictable form of greeting us. He loved to laugh so much that it’s almost impossible to imagine his handsome face without his signature smile. He was consistently lighthearted and fun loving. Andy was that one friend everyone counted on. The first one to step up and help when there was a need. The guy who called his grandma Mimi every single day. The most fun at every party! The very last one to leave in all circumstances.
He was gentle, humble, strong and brave, full of hidden talents and wisdom and endless perseverance through all the trials that life handed him. He had such grace and a truly beautiful mind with an even more beautiful heart. His heart is his greatest legacy.
Now that it is our memories of his short life that remain, we are comforted still by those visions of a childhood lived to the fullest! He spent many feral hours roaming wild and free on his grandparents’ farm, riding horses, riding snowcats, grandpa’s hayrides, and enjoying epic holiday feasts and huge Christmas celebrations. We also have memories of Andy’s years of playing hockey, singing in Darcy’s choir, fixing motorcycles, cars and so many things. Andy was a jack-of- all-trades. He even played guitar! Mostly, he enjoyed the company of his family, his friends, Kelly and his previous dog, Luna the very most.
Although we miss him very much, his short life gave us so much to be thankful for. He brought so much joy and love into our lives. To anyone who got to meet Andy, he truly connected with others deeply and you will never forget him. He touched us all with his life. We are all so blessed to have known him. He is forever in our hearts, until we meet again. Rest in peace, beautiful soul that is Andy…you will always have a place in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at The South Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. Please join us. Our family invites friends and family to share their favorite memories of Andy if you would like to do so.
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