Andrew John Plesnicar, affectionately known as Andy, passed away on May 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1940, Andy was a devoted husband, father, and entrepreneur. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his wife, Pennie, a deep love for his family, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

From the moment Andy met Pennie in high school in 1957, he knew he had found his lifelong partner. After graduating in 1958, Andy pursued his passion for cars by enrolling in an auto body repair trade school. Shortly after completing his training, Andy's entrepreneurial spirit ignited, and by his early twenties, he had established his own auto body repair shop. Andy and Pennie married in 1961 and settled in the Chicago suburbs, where they welcomed their three sons over the next nine years.

During this time, Andy transitioned to a career as an ironworker and eventually started his own welding fabrication business in the Chicago area. In the late 1960s, Andy discovered a vacant lot on Lake Allegan in a small town called Allegan, which he knew little about. Recognizing its potential as a perfect family cottage, he decided to design and build the cottage himself. The family spent many weekends camping on the lot as Andy constructed the cottage single-handedly. Inspired by his fondness for the area and his belief that it was an ideal place to raise his children, Andy relocated his family from Chicago to Allegan in 1973.

After moving his family to Allegan, Andy's entrepreneurial spirit was reignited, leading him to establish East M-89 Welding. He built a distinguished reputation as a premier welder and fabricator for a wide range of projects in Western Michigan. Andy was actively involved in the welding and fabrication business until his retirement in 2008.

Andy was an avid fisherman who cherished being near the water, whether at the beach or on a boat. In retirement, he and Pennie enjoyed traveling, cruising to island locations, and spending invaluable time with cherished friends and family. Andy is survived by his beloved wife, Pennie; his sons, James (Chilly), John (Joan), and Joe (widowed by his late wife, Andrea); his grandson, Andrew and his sister Lorraine. Andy's profound dedication to his wife, family, and enduring entrepreneurial spirit will be forever remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family will hold a private service, with no public memorial.