In Honor of Andrew, our Warrior

After a lifelong battle against mental illness, we lost our sweet Andrew on August 12th, 2021. We are all incredibly better people because of Andrew and what he has taught and shared with us throughout his difficult, but also joyous life. The thoughts and prayers of those closest to him were what he knew gave him each new day. And as we have learned. Every day is a gift. Use it well and make a difference.

We are so grateful for so many messages of love and encouragement and stories about our dear Andrew Schoen , both funny and meaningful in the ways that he touched others throughout his life. So many have reached out and asked how they can help. We have set up this Go Fund me to help cover the cost of a few memorials to honor the courageous warrior that Andrew was.

We would love to remember and honor Andrew with memorials in two places that were meaningful to him.

UTA Memorial Brick

We will be placing a memorial brick for Andrew in the University of Texas at Arlington College Park Center, both to honor Andrew’s achievements and to bless others who are following in his footsteps there.

UTA changed Andrew’s life. In 2019, he graduated with honors, gaining a degree in Industrial Engineering. Andrew surmounted great personal obstacles to achieve this dream. The UTA program, supportive staff and professors were some of the best things to ever happen to him. Throughout his life and along the many roads he travelled, Andrew often shared with others who were struggling. We know it would make him happy to help others in his humble, compassionate, thoughtful way.

This is why, if you feel led, this is a worthy program for your donation.

Memorial Park Bench Chippewa Nature Center, Midland Michigan

Andrew was a thinker and a walker. Chippewa Nature Center was one of his favorite spots, where he walked hundreds of miles, often with his father, to find much needed peace, in beauty and nature.

We will place a bench, in memory of Andrew, to provide a spot where others can enjoy peace and solace in God’s beautiful creation. Andrew touched so many more hearts and souls than we will ever know about. In the depths of his own pain of mental illness, he wanted others to find hope, encouragement and purpose. The best way we can honor Andrew is to be kind, gentle, compassionate and find humor in every day. He would want all of us to never stop learning about the beauty and complexity of life. Every day is truly a gift from the Lord to make our world a better place.