Andrew Lee Larson

Andrew Lee Larson passed away suddenly due to an automobile accident on August 15th at the tender age of 14.

Andy was born in Iowa City, Iowa on April 21, 2004.  He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Eric and Marcy Larson; sister, Kathryn 16; brother, Peter 12; foster brother, Valeriano Tem Ramirez 20; grandparents, Gerald & Lucinda Larson and Murph & Cindy Petersen; aunts and uncles, Robert & Amy Robke and Ryan & Lori Petersen; as well as cousins Jake, Kayla, Nathan, and Addy. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Marlene Petersen.

Andy was a young man who was committed to Jesus and carried his faith proudly and without hesitation. He is remembered as one who embraced life and was empathetic for all. He always sought to make others happy and encouraged everyone he knew, whether they were family, friends or teammates. Andy loved going up to the family's cabin on Elk Lake where he tubed, water skied, and snow skied. He was an avid sports fan playing soccer, baseball, and golf. He enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams - the Michigan State Spartans (where he and his family went to every home basketball game since he was a toddler), the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chelsea FC, and the Lions and Tigers. His greatest joy came in spending time with his family, especially his younger brother, Peter, who was his best friend.

Andy went to Ada Vista, Northern Trails and Northern Middle with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart every day. Andy was so excited to begin his next big adventure in high school at the West Michigan Aviation Academy where he wanted to become a pilot. He loved playing soccer for Rapids FC and baseball for the Thornapple Valley Baseball League where he was constantly cheering on his teammates. One of his recent great achievements was making the WMAA JV soccer team and being selected as a starting striker right before his death. He hoped to play baseball for the school as well and told everyone that he was going to be a two sport high school athlete.

Although he loved sports, Andy's greatest joy was through music where he sang for the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys as well as playing the piano and French Horn. His crowning achievement was becoming a head chorister and leading the boys in the choir. He cherished each of his concerts, and it was a joy to watch him sing with such expression and emotion. When others heard him singing his solos, he was often described as 'sounding like an angel.' He simply loved spreading the joy of the Lord through song. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched whether family, friends, classmates, or teammates.

The funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday August 20, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 followed by a luncheon at Frederick Meijer Gardens.  Visitation will be held Sunday at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-8pm.  Memorial contributions in Andy’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, P.O. Box 6152, Grand Rapids, MI 49516 (Tax ID: 38-2919772).

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