Ishpeming - Andrew E. Besander, Sr., age 77, longtime resident of 321 W. Ridge St., passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of his family and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Andrew was born in Marquette on October 9, 1942, son of the late Emma "Dolly" Lompre and Lowell T. Besander. He was known as "Hadie" in his younger years and attended the Ishpeming High School.  Andrew worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. first at the Mather B Mine and then in maintenance at the Tilden Mine for many years, retiring in 1989.  Andrew had also worked with Besander Roofing.  He had been a member of the Brownstone Club and enjoyed playing cribbage in the Ishpeming Cribbage League, deer hunting and fishing.

Andrew is  survived by a daughter, Debbie Besander of Ishpeming; a son, Andy Besander, Jr. of Ishpeming; longtime companion Patricia Utzman of Ishpeming, daughter Kristen Utzman of Ishpeming; sisters - Jean Harmala of Ishpeming, Jayne Harvey of Calumet, Jill LaFave-Nelson of Boston Location, MI and Laurel Rosemergy of Green Bay, WI; brother Lowell "Tubby" Besander of Ishpeming; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by Dolores Besander and a daughter Lynn Marie Besander.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00pm with funeral services to follow at 2:00pm with the Rev. Paddy Palomaki officiating. A luncheon will take place following the service at the Ishpeming VFW located at 310 Bank Street in Ishpeming.  Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility along with UP Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion.

Andrew's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

A recording of Andrew's service may be listened to here.