Andrew Tienhaara

Andrew (Andy) Eric Tienhaara, resident of Zion, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was born January 21, 1978 in Waukegan, IL to Wayne and Carol Tienhaara.

Andy spent many years working as a trim carpenter which he turned into a career affectionately known as “Handy Andy”, working as a self-employed handyman. Andy was a gifted craftsman and spent much of his time doing woodworking, either within homes or as a hobby. He had natural artistic abilities (that included great attention to detail) that came through in anything that he worked on – truly remarkable work!

Andy had a passion for the outdoors, was an avid Chicago sports fan, loved his family foremost, and was a fierce friend. He had a great sense of humor and was always playing pranks on his family and friends. He was a calm soul and could light up a room with his caring, humor, and smile. He was always available to help a friend and felt deeply blessed to have three brothers and four sisters. Andy grew up playing ice hockey, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. He was that person that saw (and paused to enjoy) the beauty in nature, enjoyed his mother’s garden and was attentive to animals.

Andy looked forward to holidays with family and time as an uncle for all his nieces and nephews. He always had goodies to pass out, which often included some of his hand-crafted projects. He was known as our Easter bunny because he would deliver an epic egg hunt each year in grandma’s yard. This turned into quite an adventure where all nieces and nephews searched through tree branches, groundcover, or other crevices to find their treats

(he didn’t make it too easy)

. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Tienhaara; brother, David Tienhaara, nephew Aaron Tienhaara; brother, Michael Tienhaara; sister, Sarah Cole and nephews Tallon and Tanner Cole; sister, Rachel Tienhaara (Shawn McHugh), niece, Ava McHugh, nephew, Kellan McHugh; brother, Matthew Tienhaara, niece, Bayleigh Tienhaara; sister, Rebekah (John) Settepani, nephew, Tyler Settepani, niece, Darian Settepani, nephew, Patrick Settepani, niece, Eleanor Settepani; sister, Mary (John) Tienhaara-Nelson, nieces, Aria Tienhaara & Melissa Nelson, and nephew, Oliver Nelson. Andrew is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Tienhaara.

A visitation will be held on Monday December 12, 2022 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church.