NEW ULM–Andrew “Andy” DeRock, age 27, of New Ulm, MN passed away October 28th in a canoeing accident on the Minong Flowage in Minong, WI.

A visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023 and will continue from 9 – 11 a.m. on Monday, all at the Franklin Event Center, 126 North Minnesota Street in New Ulm. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Franklin Event Center, 126 North Minnesota Street in New Ulm with Father Nathan Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. After burial a celebration of life reception will be held at the Franklin Event Center in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Andrew Timothy DeRock was born January 30, 1996 in New Ulm, MN to Angela DeRock. He was a 2014 graduate of New Ulm High School, and went on to attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, and Ridgewater Community College in Willmar, MN.

As a young boy, Andy discovered his love for the outdoors and hunting, and became a hobby he shared with his family. Andy participated in choir, hockey, and baseball in high school. He enjoyed going to watch The MN WILD play with family and friends. When he wasn’t mowing a lawn, you could find him hitting a golf ball, or working on cars.

In 2020, Andrew made the decision to sell all of his belongings and travel west in a truck and camper with the family dog, Primo and his best friend, Alex King. Along the way, they stopped to visit high school classmates and college friends. This only grew his love for wildlife and the outdoors. This trip introduced them to many state parks on the way to their final destination in Northern California where they stayed for nine months. This adventure is something many of us will only ever dream of doing, but Andy made it happen. That’s who Andy was. He was a self-teacher, thinker, problem solver. More recently, Andy started his own snow removal and lawn care business, Advantage Lawn Care, LLC. He had so much pride in his successes and business accomplishments.

Andrew is survived by his parents, Angela and Mark Bushard; sister, Taylor Bushard; brother, Brody Bushard; father, Brandon Saffert; Grandparents, Roxanne DeRock, Roger and Loni DeRock, Ron and Linda Bushard, Becky and Louie Forst; Great-Grandma’s, LaVon Fischer, Norma Teigum, Joyce Palmer; uncles, Adam DeRock, Eric Bushard; cousins, Cade and Carson Bushard; many great aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by Great Grandparents, Sylvester Fischer, Burnell Gohr, Chris Teigum, Ed Palmer, Dennis & Florence Saffert, Stanley & Marcella Bushard, George & Joy Albrecht; Great Aunt and Uncle and cousins.

Although Andy’s life on earth was too short, he will always be remembered for his gentle soul, his kindness, the joy he brought to everyone in his life, and his love for family and friends. Those that knew him best will forever remember his smirk. Reflecting on his life will remind us to enjoy the simple things in life as he always did. Andy rests now, but with new adventures awaiting him.

10-4 Andy, we love you!

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