Andrew Roger Reichwein

Reichwein, Andrew Roger Passed away on February 12, 2009 at the age of 35 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, as a result of injuries sustained in a work related accident. Andy was born October 27, 1973 in Arcadia, Wisconsin. After graduating from Arcadia High School in 1991, he received a degree in electrical power distribution from Chippewa Valley Technical School in 1992. From 1992 -1996, Andy was employed with Trempealeau Electric Co-op as a load management technician in Arcadia, Wisconsin. In 1996, Andy became an apprentice lineman with Hooper Construction in Madison, Wisconsin and was employed there through 1999. He continued his apprenticeship as lineman for Elk River Municipal Utilities in Elk River, Minnesota until 2001. In that same year, Andy began working for Connexus Energy in Ramsey, Minnesota. During his employment at Connexus Energy, he completed the Dennis Merchant Program and received his Journeyman Lineman Card in 2004. Andy continued his employment with Connexus Energy up until his untimely passing. Andy met Deena Grant in 2001. The couple was married on April 26, 2003. This blessed union brought about the greatest joy in Andy's life, he became a father on September 10, 2004. He was a devoted and attentive father to daughter, Alexis. Those who knew Andy recognized the deep love and devotion that he and Deena shared and many have remarked that they have never seen a better husband or father. Andy had many passions in life but none more important to him than in helping others. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, Geo-Cache'ing and baking with his daughter. He participated with Habitat for Humanity and was always willing to lend a helping hand. At the time of his passing, Andy was helping the citizens of Kentucky recover from that states natural disaster. After his passing, Andy continued to help people by donating his organs in hopes that he could give life. Those that knew Andy loved his quick wit and sense of humor and treasured his giving nature. Andy is survived by his wife, Deena (Grant) and daughter, Alexis of Andover, Minnesota; parents, Roger and Ann (Kampa) of Arcadia, Wisconsin; sister, Jill Wieczorek of Lacrosse, Wisconsin; brothers, Robert (Maegen) of Arcadia, Wisconsin and Ross of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and special friends. Family will meet with friends from 4-8 PM Friday at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Memorial service 10 AM Saturday at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.