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MARQUETTE, MI – Harley Nelsen Andrews, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on October 22, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Although Alzheimer's disease ultimately took his life, it never took away Harley's kindness and incredible sense of humor.
A proud Yooper, Harley was born in Marquette, Michigan on June 29, 1946, to John G. and Florence (Nelsen) Andrews. Harley and his brothers, John and Steve, spent countless days helping their father build the family camp on Lake Independence which provided countless family memories for three generations.
Harley graduated from Graveraet High School in 1964, the University of Michigan in 1968, and the University of Minnesota Law School in 1971. While at Michigan, he met the love of his life, Cheryl Eisenman. They married on June 22, 1969, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by devotion and laughter.
In 1974, Harley and Cheryl returned to Marquette to raise their three children--Ryan, Leah, and Dan. Harley was a deeply loving father who passed on his affection for Lake Superior, camp, dogs, and Michigan football. He cheered on the Green Bay Packers and loved to play "buckets," his term for basketball. He loved to scuba dive and walk the shores of Lake Superior. Harley loved all animals, but had a special love for whales, birds, and the family dogs.
Professionally, Harley built a respected legal career. He joined the Lynch Law Firm in Negaunee in 1974 and later formed the Andrews, Fosmire and Solka Law Firm in Marquette. Harley also served as legal advisor to several UP townships. In 1997, he left private practice to become Chief Civil Counsel for Marquette County, where he oversaw the legal transition of KI Sawyer Air Force Base into the Marquette County Airport and the Sawyer Business Park. His work left a lasting impact on the region.
After retiring in 2010, Harley and Cheryl enjoyed traveling, long hikes with their dogs on the trails around Marquette, as well as time spent with friends, children, and grandchildren. While their hearts always belonged to the people and summers of Marquette, Harley and Cheryl also loved being snowbirds in Venice, Florida, where they enjoyed a wonderful community and warm winters near the Gulf.
Harley will be remembered for his integrity, his wisdom, his humor, and the deep love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the places he cherished, the people he served, and the family who adored him.
Harley is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his sons, Ryan (Erin) and Dan; his grandchildren, Josh, Riley, and Ellie Andrews; his sisters-in-law, Toby Pohl and Kathy Andrews; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Leah (1975-1990), his parents, John and Florence, and his brothers, John and Steve.
The Andrews family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Harley received from Singletrack Health, especially Dr. Ellie Barker, as well as the nursing team at UP Health System, whose kindness and attentiveness brought peace to Harley and his loved ones during his last days.
The family invites friends to join us in celebrating Harley's life and legacy at a gathering held at the Presque Isle Pavilion on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. All who knew Harley--or were touched by his kindness, humor, or gentle presence--are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Noquemanon Trail Network (noquetrails.org) to honor the trails and places that reflect Harley's lifelong love for the beauty and community of Marquette. Happy Trails, Dad - write when you find work! The Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com