Nicholas L. Andersen

Nicholas L Andersen Nick was lucky enough to be born in the small town of Bergland, Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula, surrounded by many of his relatives. He was a lifelong fisherman, and especially enjoyed trout fishing. Nick always hunted with his father, Luther, and many of his favorite uncles, and loved to tell the stories about taking the ferry back and forth between the Peninsulas before the Mackinaw Bridge was built. Nick and his family spent summers on their boats, the 4Us and later the 4Us2, on Long Lake and East and West Bay. He treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren, particularly fishing on his beloved boat. He was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for the Detroit Lions and Tigers and MSU Spartans. Nick and his wife, MaryKay, delighted in watching college football and basketball games together. Nicholas Luther was born to Luther and Annabel (Scott) Andersen on March 20, 1938, in Bergland, Michigan. He lived in Bergland until the age of 5, when the family moved to Detroit for his father to work in the Tool and Die industry for the war effort. Nick attended Lutheran schools throughout his life and graduated from Valparaiso University in 1961. Nick married the love of his life, MaryKay Adam, in 1960 and they celebrated their 54th anniversary last August. In November of 1961 their first daughter, CindyKay Andersen, was born and in 1965, their second daughter, Kristen AnnMarie Andersen arrived. In 1966 the family moved to Traverse City, where Nick was a sales representative for Proctor & Gamble. Later Nicholas returned to school to obtain his Master’s Degree in Education and procured a high school teaching position with Buckley Community Schools. He later became Principal at Buckley and retired as a teacher in 1998, after 28 years of service. During his career he also taught evening classes at NMC in Traverse City and at Camp Pugsley Correctional Facility in Kingsley. Nick will be greatly missed by his wife, MaryKay, his children, CindyKay Andersen-Schwartz (Michael Schwartz), their children Gunnar and Zoe; Kristen Andersen (Eric Higginson), their children, Nicholas, Mallory, and Clark; and a sister , Nel Wade of Sebastian, Florida. Nicholas was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Jim Wade, many other relatives, dear friends, and his treasured dogs, Teddy and Scotchy. A private Celebration of his Life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Buckley Community School in Nick's Name. Please share your memories with Nick's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com Nick and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Nicholas L. Andersen

March 20, 1938 - March 18, 2015