Andrew L. "Andy" Semlak

Andy Semlak Livestream

Andrew L. “Andy” Semlak Age 51, of Mahtomedi, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with renal cell carcinoma. His last days were spent surrounded by the people he loved most in this world, and his passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Andy was born on March 22, 1975 in Saint Paul, MN. He grew up in Mahtomedi, MN where he attended elementary school at St. Jude of the Lake and graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 1993.

During his time as a Mahtomedi Zephyr, Andy was popular and well liked, a good student who played football, baseball and hockey. His football career ended after an injury his junior year, but he continued to excel at both hockey and baseball, and he proudly wore #9 on both jerseys. He was a natural athlete and true leader, and was voted captain and received all-conference honors in both sports. As a junior he was named to the All-Tournament team at the 1992 Minnesota State Hockey Tournament, and his love of hockey and baseball continued throughout his life.

After high school he worked in several different industries. In his free time he became an avid and skilled golfer and continued to play recreational hockey.

Although they first met in 1996, Andy reconnected with Molly Neihart in 2006 and they quickly became inseparable. Molly was the love of his life and they married on May 21, 2011. In 2012 they joyfully welcomed their son, Jacob, and in 2013 their family was complete with the arrival of their beautiful daughter Izzy.

Soon after his children were born, Andy found his path to the trades and started the program to become a journeyman plumber. He began in 2015, working full time by day and attending school several nights a week. In 2020 he became a licensed journeyman plumber. He was a proud member of Plumbers Local 34 and continued to work as long as he could after his cancer diagnosis.

Andy was blessed to have Molly as his wife and best friend, and together they built a beautiful life. They loved and supported each other in countless ways, and throughout his illness she truly became his rock and comfort, and was by his side every moment until his very last day.

Jacob and Izzy were the center of their world, and Andy cherished every moment he had with them. Being a dad was the greatest joy of his life, and his children were his highest priority. He spent endless hours at many rinks and baseball fields as both their dad and coach, and he freely shared his time, knowledge, and love of the game with Jacob, Izzy, and so many other young athletes who had the honor of knowing him as Coach Semlak.

Andy was raised in a deeply loving, tight-knit family and had incredibly strong bonds with his parents, sister, and 3 brothers. He was also blessed with amazing in-laws whom he loved dearly and considered his extended family. Throughout his lifetime he remained closely bonded with these core people, and they shared innumerable treasured times together over the years, navigating both ups and downs, making memories they will hold close in their hearts forever.

He had many wonderful friends and was also immensely grateful for the support of the countless people he knew through the Mahtomedi hockey and baseball communities. These friends and neighbors consistently showed up in big ways to support him and his family throughout his illness.

These strong relationships sustained him, as material things were not important to Andy. He was a homebody, and was content with what he had. Grilling in the backyard or sitting by a campfire with family and friends made him happy, especially if Frank Sinatra or classic country was playing in the background and his dog Frankie was at his feet.

Andy was extremely humble and avoided the spotlight. He was always willing to lend a hand and was the most loyal person you could ever meet. His warm smile and the twinkle in his eye hinted at his intelligence, dry wit, and great sense of humor. Beyond that, Andy was known for his calm demeanor, easygoing nature, endless patience, strong work ethic, and most notably his true kindness.

Above all else, Andy cherished his family and friends and he deeply appreciated the simple moments he shared with those closest to his heart. He was loved and respected by so many, and he was taken from us far too soon. Though he will be missed beyond measure, we celebrate his life and are thankful that he leaves each of us a little better for having known him.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Molly; children, Jacob and Izzy; parents, Dan and Lyn Semlak; siblings Dana Dougherty; Jono Semlak (Kelly); Kevin Semlak; and Pat Semlak (Katie); mother and father-in-law, Linda and Marty Riva; brother-in-law Chad Neihart (Angie); sister-in-law Shari Clauson (Bob); many nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 18th at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Family will also receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for Jacob and Izzy’s future education expenses.