Andrew H. Goranson

Andrew H. Goranson
September 29, 1976 – December 29, 2020

Andrew Hess Goranson, 44, passed away December 29, 2020 in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Andy is survived by his wife Abby, sons Max and Gus, and best dog Lola; brother Christopher, mother in law Mary Pat Cheshier; brother in law Eric (Kelly) Cheshier and nephew Cyrus and niece Haley; aunt Joan (Dick) Schlanker; and countless other family and friends. Preceded in death by mother Carol Hess Goranson, father Lowell Goranson. He will be deeply missed.
Andy was a proud husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a Swanson Superstar, Westside Warrior, UNL alum; President of Access Payment Processing; Rotarian; Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for Pack 866; officer of the Lambda Nu Chapter of Fiji; Golfer, bowler and fisherman with varying degrees of success. Andy loved many things: football, rugby, the Cubs, good food, good beer, good bourbon; dogs and manatees; BMWs; Widespread Panic, classical music and good, smooth jazz; the one and only Amazing Technicolor Show Choir; camping and exploring from Indian Cave to the Great Wall; long talks with anyone willing to listen and good, strong hugs. Mostly, he loved his family, his friends and his clients. Andy never met a stranger (literally, he knew everyone).
Andy taught us all how to love and live without abandon, to cherish all who we are lucky to know, and to say I love you at every opportunity. The world is a better place because of Andy, and those who knew him are better for it.

Funeral: Monday, January 4th, 2021, 11:00AM, West Center Chapel, with family receiving friends from 9-11AM.
Interment: Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Westside Alumni Association and Nebraska Humane Society.

To view a live broadcast of the Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.

26 Comments

  • Jeanne Hogan Posted December 31, 2020 5:41 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Andy was such an amazing person, the world will never be the same without him.

  • Matthew Sweney Posted December 31, 2020 10:14 pm

    Andy was a fraternity brother and friend. Although we had lost contact for many years, I remember him as a kind, genuine man. I am sorry to hear of his passing and I remember him fondly.

  • Janet & Stephen Papenfuss Posted January 1, 2021 10:52 am

    So sorry to learn of Andy’s death. Our sympathies to the family.

  • Kathy Widdershoven Posted January 1, 2021 11:45 am

    Abby & family,
    It is so heartbreaking to hear of your loss of Andy. Your Morning Star family sends our love and prayers to you. Please let us know if we can help your boys through this in any way.

  • Courtney Posted January 2, 2021 9:31 am

    Abby, Gus, Max, and family
    I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. I will always remember Andy as a full-of-life person who was passionate about whatever it was he was talking about, be it human rights, or a simple essential oil diffuser. He had such a friendliness to him that could convince someone he’s known for only a few minutes they had known him their whole life in just a single conversation. His kind and genuine spirit will not be forgotten.

  • William Edward Fisher Posted January 2, 2021 5:35 pm

    Andy was a vey special person. He was kind and sincere. I enjoyed working with him as USMPS where he was a difference maker. He loved his family! I was shocked when I heard of his passing; way too soon for one of the really nice guys. I will miss him. My love to his family.

  • Mitzi (Johnson) Anderson Posted January 3, 2021 9:46 am

    Thinking of you and your family a

  • STEPHEN J ABRAHAM Posted January 3, 2021 1:12 pm

    My wife, Gay, and other neighbors were there in the Goranson driveway when Andy died. Her retelling made his death so real and devastating for me. God only knows how Abby, Gus and Max feel. My heart goes out to my neighbors Abby, Gus, Max, and Lola, as well as all my neighbors who I know feel this great loss. I only wish I knew Andy better, and shared more bourbon! When ever I’d pass by their home, usually on my bike, I’d enjoy a conversation with the warm, friendly, curious, and social justice minded Andy, while the boys showed me a bike trick or tell me who they were going to be playing with. Of course, Lola would be there, too. I already miss you, son. I hope you are proud of the mark you’ve left behind.

  • Tim Moran Posted January 3, 2021 5:26 pm

    So sorry for your loss. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you all. Andy was a great person and well liked by everyone.

  • Todd Reiser Posted January 3, 2021 6:07 pm

    Andy and I knew each other during our much younger days from church and through family. He was a year younger – great guy and what a tremendous loss. Out thoughts to the entire family and the entire community.

  • Lansen Morehouse Posted January 4, 2021 1:30 am

    Abby, your friends at Merck are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be thinking about you and your family.
    – Lansen

  • Trent Wulf Posted January 4, 2021 8:00 am

    Andy, your book is not closed, we must painfully turn to the next chapter.
    Your book lives on through Abby, Gus and Max.
    Your book lives on through all of your family.
    Your book lives on through all you have touched.
    Your Character, Kindness, Genuineness, and Spirit has created a book with no ending.

  • Rose Mary Hefley Posted January 4, 2021 8:11 am

    Andy will be missed by so many. He touched so many people with his kindness and outgoing personality. He was generous with his time and resources. Heaven’s gain is our lose.

  • Jon Hilton Posted January 4, 2021 8:23 am

    I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. We are praying for you and your family.

  • Michael Lee Posted January 4, 2021 8:47 am

    Abby – my wife and I are so sorry to hear the terrible news. Having met 21 years ago in Beijing, we are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing Andy. Though we have not been in touch in over 5 years we spoke of him often. Andy is one of those few people that ALWAYS brings a smile to your face any time his name comes up in a “remember when…” comment. You and your family are in our prayers. – Michael & Federica

  • Wendy Deane Posted January 4, 2021 10:28 am

    What a great legacy Andy leaves in his two sons and you Abby.
    Testimonies from so many about his kindness and love for his family!
    These memories will be in your hearts forever !
    ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️

  • Marjorie Huff-Shaffer Posted January 4, 2021 10:59 am

    Abby, Gus and Max,
    Andy was truly one of a kind. Andy always brought humor to the workplace and good talk up a storm about anything and everything. Andy had the kindest sole and ways always looking out for his tribe. He spoke about his family regularly and you could feel the passion and love he had for each of you. He will be greatly missed by all. Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Mike Huffstetler Posted January 4, 2021 11:14 am

    Abby and Family, Beth and I are heartbroken to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father Andy. Our family is praying for each of you and we grieve deeply with you. We pray that God will sustain each of you through this challenging time.

  • pam sylvara Posted January 4, 2021 12:10 pm

    Andys Spring Lake friends are so saddened to hear …we all enjoyed him so much and spent lots of great times with Andy and Carol.
    Sorry that we did not get to become aquainted with Abby and the boys. Please accept my sympathy and if you need help regarding the cabin feel free to contact me. so sorry

  • Samantha Denker Posted January 4, 2021 12:11 pm

    To Abby, Max and Gus-I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine. Andy was truly a special person. He indeed made us feel loved. He will be missed so much. I am here for you if you need anything. All my love, thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Sam

  • Mark and Anna Duggan Posted January 4, 2021 12:13 pm

    The world has gotten a little dimmer without Andy. He lived life to the fullest and we are all better for have knowing him. Let us all work to carry on his sense of wonder and kindness. Much love and peace.

  • Barb Cheshier Posted January 4, 2021 12:17 pm

    Every one has said it already. Andy exhibited life and love and made every person feel special. I hope we all can pass that on to others.

  • April Mather Posted January 4, 2021 1:30 pm

    Abby, Gus and Max,
    My heart was crushed when I heard the news of Andy. He was such a nice guy and always had a smile on his face.
    God added an Angel. May he look over the whole family.
    April-Morning Star Preschool

  • Liz Howell Posted January 4, 2021 7:24 pm

    I was so sad to hear the news about Andy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.. I was friends with Andy in middle and high school. He was truly a wonderful person who was kind to everyone. I will always remember him fondly. Wishing his family peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  • Kathy Velasco Posted January 5, 2021 9:55 pm

    I was so very sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. I knew Andy from middle and high school, and remember his bright, genuine smile and his kindness to everyone. The funeral service was lovely, and the heartfelt words spoken and stories told about him had me both laughing and crying. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. Andy will truly be missed.

  • JILL BISHOP Posted January 11, 2021 4:45 pm

    I loved him. He was the brother I never had.

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