Andrew Backowski

Andrew 'Andy' Backowski, age 17, the son of Jay and Emily Backowsk of Villard, MN died on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN from complications after heart surgery.
Andy was born on September 20, 1991 in Fosston, MN to Jay and Emily (Grundman) Backowski. He was baptized in Oaklee, MN at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. As a child Andy moved with his family to Foley, MN and made his First Holy Communion at St. John's Catholic Church. In 2007, the family moved to Glencoe, MN. Andy joined the Glencoe/Silver Lake football team, which in 2008 became the Class 3A State champions. Andy was so proud to be a part of this team. When the family relocated to Villard, Andy attended Osakis High School and was to be a senior at OHS this year. He was a member of the Silversteaks football team in Osakis. He and his family belonged to Our Lady of Angels Catholic parish in Sauk Centre, MN. Andy was employed at Pete's County Market in Alexandria, MN.
Andy loved football, working out and lifting weights. He was always a serious competitor. He also liked to go hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. Andy recently acquired a black lab pup he named 'Buck' who was never far from his side. Andy also was a member of the Benton County 4-H group, the '79er's. He received several awards for showing both sheep and cattle. Some of his favorite things included being with his friends, fried chicken and pepperoni pizza.
Andy is survived by his parents, Jay & Emily Backowski of Villard, brothers and sisters, Paul, Patrick, Katherine, Matthew and Gianna Backowski; his paternal grandfather, Pat Backowski of Flensburg and his maternal grandparents, Harold & Agnes Grundman of Alexandria; many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his infant siblings, Joshua and Mary Grace Backowski and his grandmother, Genevive 'Tuddy' Backowski.
A Mass of Resurrection was held for Andy on Friday, July 17 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Frs. James Statz and Gregory Paffel officiating. Musicians were________. Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Osakis with honorary bearers being his 2010 classmates from the Foley, Glencoe and Osakis high schools. Active pallbearers were his uncles, Kenneth Proctor, Daniel, Tony, Steven and Mark Grundman, Scott Kirkhoff, Greg Radermacher, Steve, Neal, Bruce and Brian Backowski.
Arrangements are by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.