Ants "Andrew" Uustalu

In Loving Memory of Ants "Andrew" Uustalu

Ants "Andrew" Uustalu, born March 12, 1945, in Gävle, Sweden, passed away surrounded by love and family. Known affectionately as Andy, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa, he was the heart and soul of every room he entered-a man whose warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness touched countless lives.

Andy was a devoted husband to Katherine "Sue", a proud father to Dave, Chris, Mark, Jennie, and Jaisen, and a cherished brother to Ann and George. His legacy continues through his grandchildren-Stephanie, Jonith, Katy, Julia, Alyssa, Alanah, Brittany, Elizabeth, James, and Grace-and his great-grandchildren: Kevin, Serenity, Everleigh, Elora, Trace, Jaime, Elijah, Ariana, Cane, Avery, Ivy, and Jordan. To many of them, he was more than a grandfather-he was a second father, a guiding light through life's journeys.

Professionally, Andy was a skilled diesel and heavy machinery mechanic, working on the "cool big trucks" and machines that fascinated him. His hands built and repaired, but his heart nurtured and uplifted.

Andy's passions were as vibrant as his personality. He loved fishing, photography, technology, cooking, and baseball. He coached Little League and served as an umpire, always encouraging young players with patience and joy. But above all, his greatest passion was his family and love for our Heavenly Father. He was always there-whether you were sad, sick, happy, or mad-to listen, to help, and to celebrate.

He will be remembered for his radiant smile, his generous spirit, and the way he made everyone feel welcome and loved. Andy understood the true value of hard work and kindness, and he lived those values every day.

His absence leaves a profound void, but his love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Special Memories and Moments:

I've spent a lot of time recently reflecting on my relationship with my Grandpa Andy and the kind of person he was. As I've been thinking about him, I've tried to gather the qualities that really defined him, along with the little stories that go with them. It's been hard to keep it brief, because he was a big presence in my life, but these memories are the ones that stand out the most.

My grandpa was a goofball - and that really resonates with me, because I'm a goofball too. When I was a kid, he once got a Big Mouth Billy Bass, that animatronic singing fish mounted on a plaque. He hung it in the office room, and every time we walked in together it would start singing, "Take me to the river... drop me in the water...," and we both laughed every time. It was silly, and I cherish moments like that.

He was also relentlessly upbeat and jolly. He always had a smile ready for you and the warmest, most infectious laugh. For several years when I was growing up, he dressed up as Santa - and he was honestly too believable. I think I was one of the last kids in the neighborhood convinced that Santa could show up in the middle of the desert at any moment.

Another thing about him was how reliable he was. I never once doubted that he loved me. When I got my first job at a grocery store and didn't have a car, he drove me to and from work. His only request was that I let him know when there were good coupons for Diet Pepsi. When I was injured or sick, he drove me to appointments and surgeries out of town and helped take care of me afterward. Anytime I called, no matter how inconvenient it was, he'd say, "Ahh ok, sure Jon, I'll be right there." And he always was.

He was selfless. One of my favorite memories is when he took me to an NHRA drag race. He really loved that sport. And looking back, I realize he could've easily gone on his own whenever he wanted - the events were close enough. But the only time I remember him going, he brought me. Being with family mattered more to him than anything else. He found happiness in putting others first. He was an immovable rock for me, my mom, and my siblings.

And he was, above all, a family man. That was the heart of who he was. He taught me how to drive, and I know I must've put him on the edge of his seat more times than I can count. But he never yelled at me. I don't think he ever truly yelled at me once in my entire life. No matter what I did or how much I might have frustrated him, he never directed any anger toward me. He had this balance of patience, wisdom, and grace that I'm still trying to live up to.

He was also a storyteller. There were so many car rides where he talked for hours about his life or the things he was interested in. At the time, as a kid or teenager, I periodically tuned out and rolled my eyes - but now I'm so grateful for every one of those moments.

I could talk endlessly about what he meant to me and how deeply he's shaped who I am. But I think the best way I can honor him is by trying to live out the qualities he embodied - his devotion to his family, his humor, his reliability, and his ability to find happiness in what truly matters.

Thank you, Grandpa, for being so lovable, and for being such a steady and meaningful part of our lives.

My Dad was kind, funny, and generous. Everyone he met was his friend. He could fix anything. He was never too busy to give us rides, offer homework help to the kids, or repair things around the house. He loved animals, when he was a little boy, he had the reputation for being a local animal whisperer. Once during a storm, the sheriff of his childhood hometown, Grays Lake, Illinois, came to his house to ask for his help with rescuing an animal caught in a tree. Another time he adopted a racoon. When he got it home, it tore out the back of his couch and burrowed in. Another time he filled a bucket with snakes, and his dad opened it thinking it was empty, YIKES! As an adult he rescued cats and even birds.

He was a loving father, grandfather and proud participant at father daughter dances and the annual doughnuts with Dad school event. He loved movies and old tv shows, I will think of him whenever I play monopoly or listen to classic rock, He will be greatly missed.

Services are under the care and direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Pleasant Grove West Stake Center; 56 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 9:30 - 10:45 AM. The interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.