Andrew Norman Kainz

Andrew Norman Kainz (Andy), 74, passed away at Essentia Critical Care Center, Duluth, on 8/26/25 after suffering a massive ischemic stroke. He was born 7/19/1951 to Norman and lone (Babe) Kainz. He grew up in Sawbill Landing with a passion for "everything outdoors". His childhood was influenced by having dyslexia, a learning disability, which most educators in the 1950s were not well acquainted with. This affected his ability on how to learn to read, write, do mathematical equations, etc. In frustration, he quit school at the age of 16. When he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age 48, he was finally able to understand why he had so many problems in school as a child. Being the type of person he was, he overcame dyslexia, working hard with his hands and mind, using the many other talents he was blessed with. Being a logger most of his life, he invented, built, and patented a prototype of a delimbing head for the logging industry. He was a master artist with his chainsaw, selling many of his creations, which found homes in various states. Many of his creations were on display at Babe's Bait (his parents' bait shop) in the 1990s. If he were given a photo of anything, he could carve a tree stump into a perfect image of the photo. He loved inventing things that made his life easier. He spent many winters on Burntside Lake, catching trout when no one else could, and summer months on Lake Vermilion, enjoying the beauty of God's creation. He loved sharing his knowledge with family and friends. He was an amazing, intelligent, kind person with a quick wit and happy outlook on life. In 1971 he married Louise Lekatz and their new life adventures began, the first of which was to build their house from the basement to the shingles and everything in between, by themselves. He loved learning new things from repairing old guns to anything he had a question about. He always joked that he was a graduate of "YouTube University", as he spent so much time watching instructional videos soaking in new things to learn. Because of having dyslexia and its effect on his life, he understood the various trials many endure on this journey called life, and was never judgmental, but always had a kind word or was willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. Andy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Louise; brother Kristofer of New Berlin, WI, niece Welsa Stone of Roseville, MN, in-laws John and Mary Ann Lekatz of Ely and their children Carol Rist (Jim) and their two children Josh and Morgan; David (Missy) Lekatz and their two children, Matt and Mikala and Cheryl (Derek) Grochowski of Star Prairie, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Babe Kainz; brother, Keith; sister, Kathy Stone; in-laws, Frank and Jan (Johnson) Lekatz; and John and Frances Lekatz. He believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. At Andy's request, there will be no formal service Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Norman Kainz, please visit our floral store.