Andrew Gerard “Andy” Lisak of Superior passed on December 21, 2020, in the presence of his family. He would be quick to tell you that his diagnosis of cancer in 2017 wasn’t something that he fought. He lived a full life despite having cancer and maybe more so because of it. When someone asked how he was doing after his cancer diagnosis, Andy would often respond, “These are the best years of my life”. He meant every word.
Andy was born on May 28, 1962 to Andrew and Katherine (Stariha) Lisak at St. Mary’s Hospital in Superior. He was raised in Superior’s North End and on Connor’s Point surrounded by members of the extended Lisak and Stariha families. He was blessed to have been born into a family of loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They along, with his Catholic faith, helped mold him into the person he became.
Andy attended St. Louis Catholic School, Cathedral Junior High School and graduated in 1980 from Superior Senior High School. Andy received his undergraduate education at The American University, Washington, DC and his graduate education at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
In 1985, Andy was united in marriage to Sara Dorfman. Together, they raised two children: Hannah and Thomas. Andy instilled his love of northern WI in his kids as they made annual camping trips to Madeline Island, sailed Lake Superior and hunted and fished in Douglas County. Andy loved to travel with Sara and the kids across and outside of the U.S. to visit extended family and friends and take in historic sights. After Andy was diagnosed with cancer, he and Sara continued to travel and managed one more pilgrimage to Europe. Of importance, was the long-discussed trip Andy and his brother finally made to Slovakia to meet extended relatives who’ve now become taken into the family fold.
As a kid, Andy earned money by sweeping grain, shining shoes, delivering The Superior Daily Telegram and The North End News, cleaning and stocking bar at Tony’s Cabaret, pulling wire for his Uncle Phil, and painting houses. He worked at Sammy’s Pizza/Elbo Room, Country Kitchen, and as a summer picker at Twin Ports Grocery. After college, Andy worked at the National Center for Employee Ownership, Cornell University Program for Employment and Workplace Systems, Cooperative Development Services and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. He served as Executive Director of the Development Association and as County Administrator for Douglas County, Wisconsin.
Andy served as president or chairperson of the following boards of directors: the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association, the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, the Superior Housing Development Corporation, St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior, St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation-Superior and St. Mary’s Medical Center-Duluth. Andy also served on the Antigo Cheese Cooperative Board of Directors, the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center Board, United Way of Superior & Douglas County Board, the Superior/Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Northwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Loan Fund Board, and the Wisconsin Joint Legislative Council’s Special Committee on the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.
Andy was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Cathedral of Christ the King, Knights of Columbus Council 16691 and Assembly 1208, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Fraternal Aid Society, The First Catholic Slovak Association, Rotary Club 40, United States Power Squadron, the Duluth Yacht Club, the Siskiwit Bay Marina Yacht Club and Boy Scouts of America Troop 201. His hobbies included sailing, hunting, ice fishing and traveling. Most recently, he enjoyed chasing the Arthur M. Anderson with his grandson Ezra.
Andy was a true champion of Superior, Douglas County, the State of Wisconsin and the Twin Ports. He had a vast knowledge of the history, the people and the industry that is vital to the area and his loss will be felt by many. Andy had the remarkable ability to talk with anyone, no matter their station in life, and make a connection. He welcomed anyone and immediately offered a chair and a drink if you arrived for a planned or unplanned visit. If you had the privilege to talk with Andy, you also had the opportunity to witness his intelligence. He was a man of his word and he expected no less of others. Andy found his greatest joy fulfilling the role of Dad and Papa. He lived with integrity and in accordance with the teachings of his Catholic faith.
God and family were his two priorities, with a good and constant dose of humor. Concerning the latter, nothing was off limits, including his cancer.
Andy is survived by his wife, Sara, his daughter Hannah (Owen) Wagner, son Thomas Lisak-Dorfman, grandson Ezra Wagner, mother Katherine (Stariha) Buck, stepfather Ray Buck, siblings Theresa (Mark) Wilander, Margaret Lisak, Frances (John) O’Shaughnessy, Thomas (Elizabeth) Lisak and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws and many great friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Andrew George Lisak, his paternal grandparents Jozef and Frances Lisak, his maternal grandparents George and Agnes Stariha, his mother-in-law Dorothy Dorfman, father-in-law Robert Dorfman and several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
The family thanks the staff at the Essentia Health Oncology, Infusion Therapy and Radiation Oncology departments for their care of Andy and for tolerating his humor. We know you couldn’t escape! Andy came to regard infusion therapy nurses as family and looked forward to his treatments so he could visit, crack jokes and enjoy the view of the Big Lake. We are indebted to Dr. Dan Nikcevich for getting to know Andy and asking important questions so that Andy’s care was tailored to how he lived life. Dr. Nikcevich exhibited compassion and accessibility that helped us through high and low times, and left no door shut for discussion or exploration. We also extend thanks to Dr. Ken Dornfeld for counseling us on the wisdom of restraint and strategy for radiation treatment. That approach proved essential to Andy’s quality of life.
A visitation will be held at Cathedral Christ the King, Superior, on December 29, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am., with a Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 10:00 am. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Andrew Ricci and Fr. Leon Flaherty at 11:00 am on December 29, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior. The family requests that masking and social distancing be practiced. Pallbearers will be Andy’s nephews: Brandon Granmo, Benjamin Wilander, Brody Wilander, Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Philip O’Shaughnessy and Andrew Jack Lisak. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Andy has asked that donations be made to the Superior Cathedral School and the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.
