Andrew Neisemier

Andy was born July 10, 1979 to Danny and Lynette Neisemier in Des Moines, IA. He was welcomed home by his sister Dana to their farm in Thayer, Iowa. He was a very happy and adventurous baby, with a father who trained horses, Andy was in the saddle at a very early age. By the age of 4 he felt completely prepared to start giving training tips to his older sister.

With a solid foundation in formal western pleasure, he took his skills to speed horses. Poles and Barrels set him up for years of fun shows, county fair, trail rides and thanks to Uncle Greg, Andy had a rope in his hand very early. This rope would be the start to his rodeo career. Rodeo events would pave the way for his children to carry on the legacy as devoted and talented horsemen. Uncle Greg would share many life experiences with Andy and be a solid friend throughout his life.

Along with horses, Andy enjoyed pee wee wrestling and he loved playing football. His favorite part was getting to hit people. He graduated from Murray High School in 1997. His mother Lynette recalls his love for music and even a time she found him dancing in the Fareway parking lot without any music playing. Andy had a great imagination, and she enjoyed watching his adventures in the timber. Most of all, he was kind hearted towards all who knew him.

Andy held multiple jobs through high school and his younger years. One job adventure that truly shaped him as a horseman was starting racehorses at Rockin River Ranch. He then worked for Central Iowa Services wiring hog buildings all over the state. He later moved to the construction industry, and at the age of 26 he worked for Correll as a Pipelayer. He spent the remaining years of his career at Elder Corporation and in 2014 became a Foreman. For Andy, it was more than work, they were one big family. He will be missed in his role there as an employee and a friend. The last few months of Andy’s life he spent on horseback doing what he truly loved, which was taking care of cattle for his best friend Scott Evans.

Andy met his wife Amber at the Adel Rodeo in 2005. They were united in marriage on April 11, 2006. They lived in Macksburg, Iowa until moving to Thayer where they built their forever home in 2020. Andy has 4 kids: Alexia (23), Abbie (17), Ace (14) and Axel (12). Andy worked hard in so many aspects of his life, but the thing he worked hardest for was his family.

Aside from construction he could be found training horses, driving a semi or working at the local sale barn. The biggest blessings in Andy’s life were his kids. While not always able to be present, he was so proud of them all day in and day out. He took so much pride in breaking and training horses for the kids to compete on. Ace’s rope horse recently won an AQHA horse of the year award. A horse raised and trained by Andy. Whether it was an arena, a gymnasium, or a ball field, you could always hear Andy and his support for his kids and all the others he had the joy of knowing. So many lives have been touched by one man, and putting that into words just isn’t possible. His quick, witty sense of humor, amazing laugh and contagious smile could light up a room wherever he went. His presence was felt by everyone.

Andy leaves behind his wife, Amber of 19 years; his kids: Ali Carrigan, Abbie, Ace and Axel. Andy is also survived by his mom, Lynette (Ed) Cose; sister, Dana (Zach) Pryor; (Hunter and Rakenzy Pryor); in-laws, Chris (Mary Ann) Bovero; along with many aunts, uncles and so many friends that were considered his family. Andy will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Andy was met at Heavens gates by his grandparents; his dad, Danny Neisemier; cousin, Donna Allen; aunt, Cindy Driskall; son, Alex Carrigan; and his heart horse Dude.