Brian Lee Andersen

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died October 3, 2020

Brian Lee Andersen, age 38, of Rapid River, Michigan, died early Saturday morning, October 3, 2020, due to ongoing complications from a head injury sustained in an ATV accident in 2016.

Brian is survived by the love of his life, his 5 year old daughter Rowan Lily, his mother Debra (Isaac) Micheau of Gladstone, his father James (Jeanette) Andersen of Powers, his grandmother Theresa Mae Lippens of Rock, his brother James (Jule) Andersen of Tucson Arizona, his sister Hollie (Dale) Rein of Perkins, his sister Carrie Andersen of Arvada, Colorado, his niece and nephews James Andersen IV, Alex Rein and Allayna Rein. Brian is also survived by his step-grandparents Richard and Beatrice Micheau of Gladstone, step-siblings Isaac (Sarah) Micheau of Iron Mountain, Amanda (Dan) Helman of Escanaba, Justin (Sheila) Wolsker of Shelby Twp, Cody (Nichole) Wolsker of Norway, Garrett (Lindsey) Wolsker of Powers, his girlfriend Kourtnie Burns of Escanaba, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Brian was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Anthony “Tony” Lippens of Rock, his paternal grandfather James Andersen Sr. of West Salem, Illinois, his paternal grandmother Jane (George) Tomblinson of Rock, and his 12 year old nephew Wesley James Rein of Gladstone who passed in an ATV accident in 2014.

Brian was born July 28, 1982, in Escanaba, the son of James Andersen and Debra Micheau. He was raised in Gladstone and was a 2000 graduate of Gladstone High School.

Brian worked many different jobs in construction trades. He started working in the Bricklayers Union and went on to become a laborer, working on bridge reconstruction, in the Detroit area. Brian had stories to tell of working a jackhammer all day! He eventually worked his way up to become a foreman on a multi-million dollar bridge repainting project and obtained certifications in the field that few around the world have. He worked mainly in the east coast area.

A few years ago, Brian decided to relocate back to his home in the Upper Peninsula. When his daughter Rowan was born, Brian’s whole focus was on her and raising her in God’s Country. He began a new career as a plumber’s apprentice and worked his way up to become a journeyman plumber. Most recently, Brian worked for Berger and King and was looking forward to taking his masters exam in just a few months.

Throughout his life, Brian acquired many nicknames. “Squirl” was Brian’s most recent nickname, although his father always called him “Guido”. Brian was well known for his exploits on dirt bikes and 3 wheelers. He loved riding and anything mechanical with a motor. Brian restored several rare 3 wheelers to pristine condition which he sold as far away as Australia. He was a self educated, talented mechanic and worked on many motorsports and automotive projects for himself and his friends. Brian was a great son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, and his unexpected loss will be mourned by all who knew him.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visiting hours, at 3:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with Pastor Jordan Pardee of Grace Church officiating. The wearing of an appropriate mask and social distancing practices is appreciated. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta are assisting with arrangements.

11 Tributes for “Brian Lee Andersen”

    Brian was one of my better students .
    I recently was talking to him and he expressed his happiness about taking the exam for his license. I will miss his smile and upbeat attitude. Sorry for your loss

    Our thought and our prayers are with your entire family during this most difficult time!
    Prayers,
    Will and Greta Pouliot

    Brian, I loved to watch you with Rowan. You were both so happy to see each other and you always gave her your full attention even after a hard day of work. You are a great dad. I am also so proud of the way you got back up and worked hard to make everything right each time life knocked you down. You didn’t have an easy path but you were determined to succeed, and that you did…. Over and over again. Most of all, I saw you mature and I saw your priorities change over the last five years. We talked about prophecy and eternity and salvation through the blood of Jesus. You wouldn’t say much but you would always listen and you would often chime in with a hearty AMEN when we would ask God for his mercy, give thanks for what we had, and thank him for the time we got to spend together. I believe you were saying a LOT more than AMEN. I know what you meant and I thank God for the peace he put in my heart just because of those words and the changes and the love that I saw in you. My hope is in Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. Just as Lazarus was raised to enjoy his family for a while longer, so I will see you on that day. I COR 15:12… Rest up, we will have a lot of celebrating to do!!!

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts are breaking for your family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!! May the peace of God come into your hearts and He wraps his loving arms around you during this difficult time!!

    I’m deeply saddened for your lose. I can say I always looked forward to seeing you at work & give insight on the things you were doing & always answering the phone when I needed advice. I’m so grateful to have meet you & I will cherish all of the time I got to spend with you. I miss you man, I’m so heart broken, but I know you wouldn’t want to hang my head low. I’m doing my best. Gone but never forgotten. Forever in my heart. Miss u buddy.

    Brian ,Squirrel, and I had many great off-road adventures in the wilderness of the U.P. We shared many great memories growing up. I remember watching Brian ride endless wheelies on his dirt-bike up and down Dave’s/Rein’s driveway, many RZR rides in the wee hours of the morning and countless parties. Brian was always there to pick up your spirit and to push you as only a close friend could.

    I am deeply saddened by his loss and even more so that I cannot be there with friends and family during his funeral due to work circumstances. I am fortunate that I had the pleasure of enjoying one last ride with you just a few weeks ago my friend. That is one ride I will never forget. My deepest condolences go out to his family, his Girlfriend Kourtnie, and most importantly, his daughter Rowan. My heart aches for you little girl. You will have so many people tell you stories of how great your daddy was.

    Brian, I will miss you and think about you every day buddy. I will see you on the trails again someday. I know you will be with us in spirit on every ride until then.

    Brian (squirrel), we miss you so much already…you have always been one of the greatest people around, and I just can’t get it through my mind that you are really gone….I just keep asking “why”??
    I am trying my best to be there for Kourt….I know you are proud of her, she’s being so strong!!!! Phil is hanging in there… being the tough guy he is, but will never get over the loss of one of his best friends!!!! Rowan is one beautiful, smart little girl, and everyone will be sure she always remembers her daddy!!!
    I pray we all get to be together again someday!!! Until then… we love and miss you so much!!!

    Dear Andersen family my heart goes out to your family. I didn’t know Brian that well he worked on closing up and opening up my house in Rapid River and what a sweetheart. Very professional and a lovely personality. I was shocked to hear of his passing. He will be in my prayers.

    l

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