Andrew “Andy” Vanden Avond
PORTAGE – Andrew “Andy” Vanden Avond, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at University Hospital in Madison.
Andy was born on November 28, 1951, in Shawano, Wisconsin, the son of Richard and Joanne (Mason) Vanden Avond. As a high school athlete, Andy was the WIAA state champion for Whitefish Bay High School in the shotput. He was also a talented speed skater. Andy had a love and appreciation for rocks, nature, and music that stayed with him until the end.
Andy earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UW–Platteville, where he was a co-founder of the UW-Platteville men’s intermural hockey club. He earned a secondary degree in Earth Science that he put into practice as an Earth Science Teacher in Lodi. Taking after his father who was an accredited coach, he coached track and curling with the utmost pride of his teams. Andy had a passion for fishing, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge, while creating stories that will never be forgotten by many friends. Andy’s next career chapter led him into the granite business where he was able to combine his love and knowledge for natural wonders in the stone with his keen eye and extreme attention to detail in producing beautiful, lasting features and relationships.
Andy was an avid rock collector and finder, often discovering museum-quality specimens and delighting in sharing the stories behind them with others. Many of which were donated to the geology museum including 41 trilobites and some other very obscure finds. In his collection he had thousands of rocks, fossils, and crystals, and he could tell you a story about every single one. Where it came from, how and where he found it, along with other impressive facts. He truly shared his knowledge, passion, and collection with anyone who was interested.
He married Patricia Early on September 25, 1987. In 1992, they moved to Fitchburg, where they raised Ryan and Kelsey and formed many dear friendships. Andy was a loving husband, father, and friend, known for his strength and humor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, appreciating nature’s beauty.
Later in life, he enjoyed cheering on the Brewers and watching hockey whenever he could. He deeply cherished his children and especially loved taking his grandchildren on Gator rides through the woods “looking for deer”. He spent his last years surrounded by nature and close friends living in the beauty of the Big Slough.
He is survived by his children, Ryan (Sara) and Kelsey; two sisters, Martha (Lew) and Kate; sister in-law, Maureen (Bruce); three grandchildren, Kane, Ruthie, and Ella; his cherished pets, Jordy and Nina, and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wonderful wife, Patricia; sister, Sylvia; and brothers-in-law, Jack and William.
May he rest in peace.
A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 W. Wisconsin St., Portage. Family invites those who wish to join them at Elks Lodge, 201 W Conant St., Portage, following the visitation.
