Andrew David Tiefenthal, age 33 of Manistee, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, after a valiant battle with cancer.
He is survived by his 2-year-old son Tripp, wife Danielle, parents and two siblings.
Andy was born in Traverse City on Nov. 4, 1984, the son of Dave and Brenda Tiefenthal. Eventually, he became the eldest of three Tiefenthal children, big brother to Ryan and Ashley. As a child, Andy took to sports and had a knack for excelling in competition.
He attended Manistee High School, where he became a standout athlete in several sports for the Chippewas before graduating in 2003. Whether it was on the field, court, or in the locker room, Andy displayed a type of leadership that was well beyond his years: a steady demeanor, a silent confidence and a calm under pressure. All attributes that served him well as he honed them in adulthood.
Andy was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines. He also enjoyed hunting and playing golf with family and friends. After high school, he gave back to area youth through his love of coaching athletics.
While he was naturally reserved and rarely emotional, Andy had a playful side too. His dry wit and signature smirk were magnetic in social settings. He had many, many friends who affectionately referred to him as “Tief.” When he wanted to, he could be the life of the party, but never without the aura of wisdom that made him unique.
Upon completing electrical lineman schooling at Alpena Community College, Andy was employed at Martin Marietta as an electrician.
Though the last three years of Andy’s life didn’t define him, they certainly exemplified the man he had become. In late 2015, Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, forcing him into a battle for his life, but a fight that he was up for.
He and Danielle wed on Jan. 30, 2016, and the two became first-time parents on April 7, 2016, when they welcomed their son Tripp into the world. At this rapid pace, Andy became a husband, a father and an inspiration. With family in the trenches, he battled his disease the only way he knew how: steady and calm, with little complaint; a grace so uniquely his, it inspired the term “Tiefstrong,” a redefinition of strength, used locally by friends and family.
A friend, brother, son, husband and father, Andy was, in essence, a family man. He loved and was loved by many. Never needing the limelight, Andy’s quiet approach to life was admired by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his humor, strength and class.
Andy was preceded in death by his grandparents, "Papa" Jim Faubert, and Duane and Mary Tiefenthal; his uncle Tom Milarch; and his cousin Matthew Urban.
Andy is also survived by his grandma Pat, in-laws Bill and Nancy Wittkamp; brother-in-law Nate Wittkamp; sister-in-law Leslie Stanfill; nephew and niece Gavin and Kenleigh Stanfill; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who meant the world to him.
A celebration of Andy’s life will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.
Contributions can be made in memory of Andy to "The Colon Club," via checks mailed to Deb Belschner at 749 Perry Highway Pittsburgh, PA, 15229, or through online donations at colonclub.com/donate-to-the-colon-club.