Andrew Jay Hart
LESLIE, Mich. — Andrew Jay Hart, 49, died at home peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones, on June 25, 2023. Andy and his wife of 29 years, Kellie Alynn (Schneider) Hart, made their home in Leslie, Michigan. Andy was born at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, on February 9, 1974. He went to elementary and middle school in Gladstone, Michigan. Andy attended Williamston High School and graduated in 1992. He earned his degree in animal husbandry from Michigan State University in 1993. He married Kellie on July 23, 1994, in Williamston, Michigan. They had two children.
Andy was a well-respected horse trainer for over 30 years. Together with his wife, Andy worked at their family horse ranch, Silhouette Manor. Eventually, Andy and Kellie bought their own horse ranch, Hart Training Stables. He was truly dedicated and passionate about his work with horses. He was also proud to be a boilermaker. Andy belonged to the boilermakers’ union Local 169. He was a hard worker.
Andy’s favorite way to spend his free time was with family and friends making cherished memories. Grilling for everyone was another one of Andy’s favored pastimes. He also enjoyed telling stories, and jokes, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, playing with his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, and walking with his wife. He relished family dance parties in the kitchen, and concert outings with his siblings. Andy loved to watch documentaries. Because of this he knew about many different topics and appreciated discussions about them. He also enjoyed reading John Grisham novels. In addition, he liked playing corn hole with family and friends. In high school, Andy’s favorite sport to play was football. When his children were young, he enjoyed watching them play their sports, and giving them pointers. At one point, he coached Whyatt’s basketball team. Andy was an avid Michigan State Football fan.
Andy was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was funny, smart, kind, caring, hardworking, and loved animals.
Andy is survived by his parents, Emily Kleiber Parkkonen, and Edward Andrew Hart both of Gladstone, Mich.; His wife, Kellie; his two children, Hunter and Whyatt (Danielle); his grandchildren, Parker, Anna, and June; his siblings, Robert Hart, Jennifer Hart (Scott Stepan), Elizabeth Hart, Molly Rice (Tom Barker), Martin Rice (Rachel), Melissa Gates (Jacob); nieces, and nephews, Clay, Christian, Jake, Owen, Daniel, Eva, Clara, Jonas, Makena, Emily, and Sonjena; and many great-nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Andy was also survived by his beloved dog, Millie, and Kellie’s dog, Lucy. Andy was adored, and looked up to by all who knew him.
A celebration of Andy’s life will be held on July 23 at the Pleasant Lake Pavilion (West Pavilion), 4401 Styles Road, Pleasant Lake, MI, from 2 to 6 p.m. Everyone is asked to wear their favorite concert t-shirt. Andy wants people to be happy and build fun memories together. He would not want us to be sad.
In lieu of flowers a GoFundMe has been created for his family.
Andy’s GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-andy-as-he-battles-health-issues