ForeverMissed
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"I love my friends and my family and I let them know it often. I give as much love and kindness as I can everyday because if we all focused on giving instead of taking, happiness would overwhelm our lives. The hard truth is few of us stop to smell the roses and instead of asking questions, find answers. I find myself getting consumed by insecurity and social "obligations" that are the structured reality of a planned society and our existence. Everything is nothing but nothing is everything. We don't matter, but we are so significant.  We ignore curiosity but turn a different page. A wife, a family, a house, a home, a career, a retirement, a life, a death. Sounds good to me.  Sign me up for the experience. I'm scared only that the how's and who's I'm pursuing will consume the energy and drive I have and destroy me and my dreams. "

- Andy Meseke
September 7, 2020
September 7, 2020
Lori and Danny
 Tim and I are so sorry! I didn't get a chance to meet Andy but I have heard great things about him! I know God is taking care of him and Andy no longer is feeling any hurts of this world. The pictures on his site or wonderful and really shows the viewer what a sweet person he was. Our Heavenly Father knew that and needed him home!
We all will meet again in heaven!
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
I remember the first day we met, it also happened to be the day (little did I know at the time) that I'd agree to become part of the family and, from then on, you never hesitated to treat me as family. I'll always remember trips to Santa Cruz, Capitola, Pinecrest and Apple Hill and how badly you wanted to share with everyone the things you loved knowing they would probably bring others joy too. Not to mention, Raiders games, the snowed in Christmas trip to Washington and the time you terrified me in a parking lot only to discover the big scary guy that grabbed me was you laughing your butt off. I'm thankful for the time I had with you. 

Andrei talks about how much he misses you and how much more he wishes he saw you these last few years. He has a few of your childhood pocket knives, Boy Scout handbook, your leather Andy wallet from Papa and a more recent pocket knife. He's fallen asleep with the wallet at least once. He remembers you helping build his bed and wishes he had more things of yours. He really loves you. That trip to Pinecrest with the snowball fight and ridiculous snowman is a memory that makes us all laugh.

The roller coaster ride is over, rest easy. We sure are going to miss you.
August 17, 2020
August 17, 2020
Danny and Lori Meske & Family, my heart was broken when I heard the news. No words can express the sadness that we felt. Andy became best friends with my son Jojo and it is the simplest things that remind you of him. I made beef stroganoff and invited Andy to have dinner with us one of many night. He fell in love with it. So everytime I made it I told Jojo call Andy tell him Im making stroganoff and he would come. He spent alot of time at our home. He came to visit us when we relocated to Tracy and I just happen to have stroganoff in the fridge. I laughed and said guess this is meant for you. He was a big part of our life. He was a great friend to my son. I remember a time when I awoke in the morning and they were sleeping with the tv still on, snacks every where. He was a part of our family. He text me a few months ago to just check in and talk.  I want you to know how much we loved Andy. He always welcomed me with a hug and was always very respectful. WE WILL MISS HIM MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY.
August 17, 2020
August 17, 2020
It is the little things that will flood us with memories. I recently was packing my pantry. I ran across Bacon Salt. During his last visit to Washington, Andy needed Bacon Salt as a critical ingredient. Unfortunately, I don’t remember what he cooked. I do remember his creativity and love of sharing his skills. Andy, you are missed. Aunt Rhonda.
August 13, 2020
August 13, 2020
“What so every you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me….” It is with a heavy heart to compose words in celebration of my nephew Andy’s life. I hugged Andy goodbye exactly 1 year ago, June at my nieces wedding. Had I known then it would have been our last embrace, I would have ensured its strength and duration to reflect how much I loved him.
It’s always a treat to have a nephew that shares your same name. It was even more exciting watching Andy grow up and to have had shared similar interests as mine. When Andy was in middle school we both shared a love for basketball. Not only did he enjoy the game, on visits to Manteca, I would even see him wearing NBA regalia to add credence to his love of basketball. On one Christmas visit, Andy & I walked to the park by his grandma’s house to shoot baskets. I embarrassed myself by pulling a muscle thinking I could mimic the moves of my young nephew.
After high school, Andy & I would always talk about cooking and working in a restaurant. I love to cook and I loved hearing his stories about helping out in the kitchen and working in food service.
I inherited a love of succulents from my dad and will always keep that memory dear to my heart. When I discovered that Andy was growing succulents and other plants, I was thrilled. On one occasion, Jordan returned home from a visit to Manteca with 3 plants given to him by Andy. We still have those in our patio. Nicholas & Jordan have been keeping that memory alive by propagating the original plant. One succulent appropriately named "Mother of Thousands". Thank you Andy for this gift!
In addition to our shared interest, which I consider so precious because were only able to share on brief family visits, I became keenly aware in Andy’s later years, how beautiful his mind, spirit, heart & soul were. Andy was a student of the good book, but he wasn’t a bible thumper, he didn’t wear his religion on his sleeve, he lived the word when it came to other people. In every conversation with Andy, he would always talk about how he helped a friend move, or how he helped a friend who had a broken down car, or a friend needed him for support and he was there, etc. I was touched that such a young man lived by the words, “what so ever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me”.
Andy, your passing has allowed me to hit the pause button, to reflect, celebrate memories and most importantly, ensure my future hugs goodbye are never taken for granted.
August 12, 2020
August 12, 2020
Andy is special to all the family. What a grandson, always thoughtful, sweet memories of our times together. One day we will all be together again. What a great day that will be. 

Your Grandma, Esther Meseke
August 12, 2020
August 12, 2020
Andy was such a joy to be around. He always greeted us with a smile and a big hug. We remember many fun times with him, including several wine tasting outings with the Meseke family and friends. He was witty and funny, and always brought a smile to those around him. Those are the memories that will hold him dear to our hearts. We were honored to have known and shared some moments of life with him, and his loving family. Rest In Peace, Dear Andy. Love, Dave and Becky Frank.
August 10, 2020
August 10, 2020
My cousin my friend I thought back as far as I could to my first memory an it was in a tent at Shasta lake where I was told not to tell ghost stories to Chris Chuck an Andy but of course it happened Andy was horrified I paid the repercussions. That was last time I ever remember Andy being scared of anything . We grew up together. I loved an lived with this man allot of my life from his days in escalon crushing beers an swimming in the local ditch . To sharing stories into the night an giving each other advice he was always a man that you could call on at a minutes notice Tracy Lawrence said it best in a country song tell me who your friends are ... I can't tell you in a paragraph or a book how much this man meant to me in so many ways . He was a inspiration at times. an even when he was a lowest of the lows at times he was still their for you. But one thing for sure is he was always a friend no matter what an who can say that about people in their life . We shared a shit ton of adventures together we cried together we loved life together an I will never forget him as a man as long as I live .I will miss Andy forever an hurt for him an what he didn't have to miss in life . I'm hurt I'm mad upset an devastated an damn it Andy I love an miss you cousin. But I see peace god an love in you as I did in your life on earth I love buddy god rest ur sole.
August 10, 2020
August 10, 2020
Andy,
You are in so so many of my childhood/school memories. Somehow we ended up with the same teacher every single year from Kinder through 8th grade.
While life took us in different directions I can see you continued to look out for others and care for them. I still remember you sharing your X-Files books for silent reading when I read all of my books, having to share a textbook then racing to see who read faster, and your awesome halloween parties!
Rest easy old friend. You continue to make an impact on Earth even though you're looking down on us now.
Prayers and love to your family,

Jennie
August 10, 2020
August 10, 2020
Dear Danny, Lori and family,
All of our sincere, condolences. I am so, very sorry. Andy was a sweet, little friend to Michael while they grew up...a little sparkle!
May God watch over you, all.
Rest In Peace, Andy♥️
Love, 
    Tony, Mary and family
August 9, 2020
August 9, 2020
There's nothing quite like growing up with a brother close in age. From my earliest memories, I had a friend, a rival, a confidant, a partner in crime. A brother is often your first friend, first memories, and today Andy is the first person I will miss so dearly.

Childhood was an incredible adventure with Andy at my side. Whether it was a pick-up football game, roller blading, or fighting over a Play Station controller, I don't remember a lot of boredom. Sharing a room meant many nights falling asleep while laughing at the dirty words we'd hear from Loveline on the radio. We'd skip rocks when camping, but he spent more time looking at the rocks than throwing them. Not a summer passes that I don't think of the dozens of days we spent at Oakwood Lake. We knew every good place to stand up in the slides without getting caught. Andy would sometimes cap off the day with a headfirst ride down the V-max knowing his wristband would be snipped the second a lifegaurd could get a hold of him.

Into adulthood it was tough to spend time with the family while I was in North Carolina, but we spent an amazing weekend in Myrtle Beach just before I left for one deployment. The mischief and awe on display when he saw his first South Carolina fireworks store was something to behold. One time we convinced his girlfriend we spoke fluent German and talked in gibberish to each other all night. Every time we met I could expect to hear about the hottest new underground hip hop artist or indie band. I'll miss his curiosity and interest in the fringe and ecclectic. I'm not sure if he really believed interdimensional lizard people ran the central banks, but I know he loved the look on my face when debating these theories with me.

It's hard not to be overwhelmed with feelings of loss at this moment. However, the grattitude I feel is greater. I'm fortunate I have so many amazing memories to pull from when thinking about his life. I'm fortunate to know he created equally lasting memories with so many others. I want to thank the many friends that have reached out to myself and my family, and thank you for sharing your memories of my brother.

August 9, 2020
August 9, 2020
Andy -

My baby boy ... oh how much I love you. Words alone are not enough to describe. A piece of me died August 2, 2020. I know you knew my love. To quote part of the poem you wrote me: "Only a Mother ... loves you to no end and will always be your best friend." I will miss you always. I am so thankful to have been your mother. All my love forever. Mom. 
August 9, 2020
August 9, 2020
My Son -

Andy lived so many lives and did it his way. While 35 years was the duration of his life, he crammed it with experiences that far exceeded that. What a ride! As I reflected on his life, Andy was able to find love and be loved, which is probably #1 on any parent’s list. 
Andy touched many people in his path through life. He was very talented, and I would call him a “fixer.” Andy took after me in fixing mechanical things, but his specialty was people fixing as I have discovered from other’s posts and stories. He loved to help others and make people feel special. 
So thoughts of Andy are many. Being Andy’s dad, I am glad I was. Miss him now and forever. 

Peace Out, Andy’s Dad
August 9, 2020
August 9, 2020
My little brother - I don't have the words as I know you would to adequately express what you mean to so many, including myself. I had the opportunity to grow up with you, and remember times like playing in our backyards, sandboxes, tree house, video games, riding bikes, backpacking all the things kids do. Into adulthood, I was there to see you graduate college, go on camping and boating, hanging out at pools having a beer. These are just some of the things I will miss dearly. More recently I wish we had more time to hang out and catch up on things, but I am grateful for those moments we did have. As the family and I look back and laugh about the difficult, insane and wild times you brought into our lives... even through it all we are extremely lucky that you were my brother and I love you. You will live on through our stories memories and treasured mementos. I will miss you terribly but rejoice in the parts of life we got to share together. 

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Recent Tributes
September 7, 2020
September 7, 2020
Lori and Danny
 Tim and I are so sorry! I didn't get a chance to meet Andy but I have heard great things about him! I know God is taking care of him and Andy no longer is feeling any hurts of this world. The pictures on his site or wonderful and really shows the viewer what a sweet person he was. Our Heavenly Father knew that and needed him home!
We all will meet again in heaven!
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
I remember the first day we met, it also happened to be the day (little did I know at the time) that I'd agree to become part of the family and, from then on, you never hesitated to treat me as family. I'll always remember trips to Santa Cruz, Capitola, Pinecrest and Apple Hill and how badly you wanted to share with everyone the things you loved knowing they would probably bring others joy too. Not to mention, Raiders games, the snowed in Christmas trip to Washington and the time you terrified me in a parking lot only to discover the big scary guy that grabbed me was you laughing your butt off. I'm thankful for the time I had with you. 

Andrei talks about how much he misses you and how much more he wishes he saw you these last few years. He has a few of your childhood pocket knives, Boy Scout handbook, your leather Andy wallet from Papa and a more recent pocket knife. He's fallen asleep with the wallet at least once. He remembers you helping build his bed and wishes he had more things of yours. He really loves you. That trip to Pinecrest with the snowball fight and ridiculous snowman is a memory that makes us all laugh.

The roller coaster ride is over, rest easy. We sure are going to miss you.
His Life

From the top...

June 27, 2021


Andrew Arthur Meseke (Andy) lived his life in Manteca arriving from Tracy at the age of one. He attended Humpty Dumpty Preschool, Brock Elliott Elementary and Sierra High School.  He played many sports: Little League Baseball, soccer, basketball, football. His love of camping, hiking and fishing started with his first family camping trip in the Sierras at the age of two.. Andy was part of Troop 423 from Tiger Cubs thru Boy Scouts. His love of nature led to a VAST collection of rocks. He cultivated succulents long before it became the “thing.” His talent at the BBQ led him to attend culinary school in San Francisco. He inherited a talent for fixing things and could “MacGyver” anything. Andy was very proud to be the first son to accomplish a college degree (AA with HVAC certifications). Andy expressed his creativity through his writings, poetry and drawings. Some of Andy’s favorite past times were Thrift Store shopping, collecting old books and hanging out with friends. If Andy was there, fun was happening.
Recent stories

Andy's antics

August 6, 2021
  One Summer in 2007 or 2008 Andy was working nights as a security guard for Securitas in Manteca.  We shared an apartment at the time. I had a six pack of Rolling Rock glass, twist off bottles of beer in the fridge.  When I got back from a long day of work I was really looking forward to having one of those beers.  I opened one and it was easier than usual to open.  It didn't make the usual sound of a fresh beer opening.  I took a drink anyway and quickly realized that I was drinking nothing but water!  I thought maybe it was a bottling error.  I opened another one.  It was also water.  Then the next one.  Again, water.  They were ALL water!  I can't remember if it was a full six pack but there were at least 4 left.  It was Andy!  Not only did he drink all of my beers, he then proceeded to fill them back up with water, carefully screw the lids back on, then planted them back in the fridge for me to discover.  I couldn't help but laugh even though I was so annoyed at the same time.  I had to wait a few hours to confront him because he was sleeping before work.  When I finally did he was very pleased with himself.  *Insert Andy's mischievous laugh and grin*  His plan was to make it funny so I wouldn't be as mad at him.  It worked of course.  He knew it would!

Election Day

November 3, 2020
Thank you Monique for sharing your voting story.  It brought a smile and some tears.  Election Day was always a mother/son thing for Andy and I since he was 18 years old.  We would individually do our ballots but he always was up for a good debate like why I should join the Green Party.  With our completed ballots in hand, mother and son would walk across the street to Brock Elliott School to cast our votes.  2020 has brought so many changes for everyone.  Casting my vote alone at a drop box was not the same but Andy will always be in my thoughts and heart every election.

Spanish voting sticker

November 2, 2020
On November 2nd, 2004 Andy was 19.  He came to my house after each of us had wrecklessly cast our votes.  He noticed my 'I voted' sticker on my shirt.  He told me that his said something different like, "Yeah vote or Yay vote!"  I looked at him confused then asked to see his sticker.  It read, 'Ya voté' which is Spanish for 'I voted'.  When I told him we both started laughing and every few minutes he would quote his sticker in his best Spanish accent and laughter would immediately follow.

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