Our beloved son, Andrew James “Andy” Zierden, 42, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at ThedaCare Medical Center in Neenah.
He was born Aug. 8, 1983, in Shawano to Betsy Marie (Schmidt) Zernicke and James Zierden. Andy’s stepfather, Thomas Zernicke, became a part of his life in 2007. He also grew up alongside his loving and very involved sister, Jessica Weiland.
Andy was born a healthy, handsome, baby boy. The health problems he developed early on in his life are now resolved as he is fully healed in heaven. He was always full of love and tenderness, and was a close companion with those he touched. After a lengthy illness with anemia, he developed brain damage at the age of 5 and couldn’t speak after.
He, however, communicated quite well in his own ways. Andy touched so many lives and made those who knew him much better people. He taught others patience, love, strong faith and so much joy and delight from his small steps of improvement. He made us laugh with his quirks and the little things he did. Andy had the most contagious laughter.
Andy graduated from Shawano High School with the class of 2004. He enjoyed doing puzzles, rolling marble mazes, music, his family, boating, camping and going for long car rides. He also liked driving four-wheelers when he was younger and riding side-by-side in his later years.
Betsy took care of Andy throughout his entire life at home. Jessica was always there to help from when he was very little and agreed to be his guardian if others couldn’t. For almost 20 years, Thomas Zernicke was there for Andy after marrying Betsy. Thomas was devoted to making Andy’s life as normal and happy as possible.
Andy had a deep love for his three most recent caregivers, Christy Brandt, Cindy Westphal and Sue Cate, whom he considered family. Their care and love for him was remarkable. We are so grateful for so many others that touched his life.
Andy is survived by his mother, Betsy (Thomas) Zernicke; his father, James (Lynn Nolan) Zierden; his sister, Jessica (Neil) Weiland; their children, Katelyn, Claire and Nora; his stepbrother, Blake (Liz) Zernicke; their children, Hallee, Brody and Sloane; his stepsister, Rhea (fiancé Rick Taylor) Zernicke, and Renee Zernicke. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends including Patti Petrie, Mary Petrie, Dan and Laurie Zierden, John and Carole Zierden, and Roger and Pam Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Randall and Betty Schmidt, Al and Lorraine Zierden, George and Wilma Zernicke, and numerous other family members.
A funeral service for Andy will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Pastor Ryan Fehrmann officiating. Visitation will begin Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano from 4-7 p.m. and again Saturday at the church at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family would like to thank ThedaClark-Neenah staff for their care of Andy.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
