Brian E. Hartigan

Age 47, of Andover Brian Earl Hartigan (nee Loterbauer)—who had a smile that could light up a room and pierce your heart with joy—passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Brian was born on November 3, 1973, to Nancy Lou Harju (nee Grovenburg) and William Joseph Hartigan. Brian was the epitome of a jack-of-all-trades. Born and raised in North Minneapolis, he acquired many hands-on abilities. His “wheels” career began when he first learned how to ride a bicycle, and then he learned how to protect it from friends and foes alike. But best of all, he learned how to crash it with his best friends Jimmy Grovenburg, Joe Ross, and Robert Curo—and man, did he have the stories to tell about that! Brian always had fond memories of going to his Grandma and Grandpa Ed Stein's farm as a youngin’, and he learned how to drive a car there! And tractors! And Grandpa was always so willing to show him how to work on cars and machinery and to tell him where to sling the hay bales or the field boulders, no matter how heavy they were. Then Brian moved into the kitchen to gain new skills at Burger King where he made and kept many lifelong friends from their fun in and out of the restaurant. As a young adult he took on different odd jobs, working at salvage yards, car dealerships, and basically wrenching on anything automotive. He always took on vehicle maintenance with ease, with the exception of a few well-timed cuss words when the bolts or fasteners wouldn’t come loose or would break apart altogether. Brian also took jobs framing, building, and roofing houses—he had so many talents—and was always willing to lend a hand and share his expertise with his family and friends. Brian spent many hours behind the wheel at his jobs driving trucks and warehouse equipment. He mastered logistics; he was a meticulous worker, a smiling receiving clerk, a good natured coworker, and overall a fun-loving guy. For the past few years, Brian was employed through the National Elevator Constructors Union working on elevator and escalator construction and maintenance. He enjoyed the challenge, the knowledge he gained, the friends he made, and was proud to be a member of the Local 9 team. Brian was a fisherman, deer hunter, and a bit of an adrenaline junkie who loved 4-wheeling, motorcycle riding, and race car building and driving with Team Ramrod, MN. He was such a softie when it came to his beloved dog, Eva, and he always spoke so fondly of all the people he met and kept in his heart. While he was willing to learn or do just about anything for anyone, Brian will be forever remembered for his bright smile, contagious laughter, quick wit, and his huge, generous heart. Brian is survived by his mother, Nancy Harju; his sister, Sandi (Brian) Nick; his nieces, Katie (Tory) Corr, Maranda (Matt) Nick, and Myah Nick; his former wife, Sandra Hartigan; and his former in-laws, Ken and Carol Tharaldson, Melissa (Tony) Miller, Jeff (Monica) Tharaldson, and TJ (Lisa) Tharaldson; as well as many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, William Hartigan, and his stepfather, William Harju.​Private family service.