Andrew Paffhausen

Andrew Paffhausen was an intelligent man with a knack for computers and a deep devotion to his family. It was no secret that the sun rose and set with his precious son Jonathan and that he viewed becoming a father as his greatest accomplishment. Andrew was a gifted musician who often shared his passion for playing his guitar with those around him and with his zesty personality, Andrew brought harmony to the everyday melodies of life. The 1970s were a unique time within the culture of our nation as the movies Love Story and Patton drew people to theatres nationwide and Three Dog Night and Creedance Clearwater Revival topped the Billboard Charts. Also during this time, Marshall and Ingrid (Hohenhaus) Paffhausen, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were celebrating the birth of their son, Andrew Marshall, on January 22, 1971. Andrew joined older sister Amy in his family with whom he had a close relationship. His father supported their family through his work in real estate sales and his mother stayed home to care for her children when Andrew was born. During his formative years, Andrew moved around a bit as a result of his fathers work including time spent not only living in Kalamazoo, but also Grand Haven, and Fruitport, Florida, and then in Muskegon, Michigan. Andrew experienced a typical childhood full of fond memories that will be forever cherished. He was active in the Boy Scouts and his mother served as the Den Mother. Andrew was raised within the Christian faith and their family regularly attended Edgewood Lutheran Church in Fruitport. Andrew had a passion for music and when he was a teenager, he taught himself how to play the guitar and he quickly became very good. In fact, his sister said he was the best guitar player ever. Andrew liked Heavy Metal Music and he played in a number of different bands in the area. He attended Orchard View High School and it was during his high school career that he became interested in computers and video games. After he graduated from Orchard View in 1989, Andrew went on to Baker College where he obtained a degree in Electrical Technology. In order to help pay for school, Andrew worked at a variety of odd jobs including for a fast food restaurant, at a pizza place, and he also did lawn care among other jobs as well. Life wasnt all about work and school while he was in college as he still found time to pursue his love for music and he continued to play in a band during this time. After college, Andrew found work in computers at local factories including Eagle Ottawa Leather, Sappi Paper Mill in Muskegon, and Kaydon Corporation, also located in Muskegon. Of great significance during this time, Andrew met a woman named Desire Lockhart through some friends just prior to Valentines Day. Their was an immediate connection between the young couple and she proved to be the love of Andrews life. For Valentines Day that year, Andrew planned a romantic date and they established Youre the Inspiration by Chicago as their song that weekend. The couple has been together ever since that fateful weekend and they were soon living together. Andrew and Desire then moved out to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Andrew began working for the United States Air Force. Soon after their move, they found out they were expecting a baby and shortly thereafter, they decided to move back to Muskegon where they would be closer to family. The couple lived with Andrews mother for a short time before they got a place of their own on Fink Street. Andrew and Desire were united in marriage on June 16, 2000, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their love story. Andrews heart was forever changed with the birth of their son, Jonathan, on August 4, 2000. Jonathan was his fathers pride and joy and he soon became everything to Andrew. At an early age, Andrew taught Jonathan to work on the computer and to play computer games, delighted to share one of his passions with his son. four years ago Andrew suffered a back injury and decided to become a stay-at-home-father while Desire found full-time employment. During this time Andrew continued to do side jobs servicing computers for individuals. Unfortunately, the medications Andrew was taking to relieve his back problems began to have an effect on him. Although his family tried to help, they were unable to effectively intervene on his behalf. Andrew Paffhausen was a proud father who cherished his son from the moment he was born. He was a talented musician with a strong work ethic who enjoyed the constant companionship of his dog Cloey. Andrew fostered close relationships with his family members and was thrilled to share his life with his one true love, his wife Desire He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all those he leaves behind. Andrew M. Paffhausen died on Sunday, June 28, 2009. Andrews family includes his wife, Desiree ; son, Jonathan Andrew Paffhausen; mother, Ingrid Morrall of Muskegon; sister, Amy (Rob) Carney of Muskegon; nieces, Kristi and Katy Beerman; nephews, Todd and John Beerman; in-laws, Dianne and Charles Hall of Muskegon; and his dog, Cloey. He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall in 2003. A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Jonathan Paffhausen Education Fund.