Andrew John Plath

Andrew John Plath, 68, of Wausau, WI, died Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.

Andy, as he was known by most people, was born December 28, 1957, in Wausau, WI, the son of Robert Plath and Marion (Werner) Plath. He graduated from Wausau West High School, then earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, followed by an Associate Degree in Insurance from Northcentral Technical College.

Andrew's willingness to step into leadership roles began in high school, when he was elected President of the Student Council in 1975. He states in one of his blog posts: "My service in the Student Council, particularly as President, taught me many things. For one, if you want change, you must work for it to make that change happen."

He spent his entire career in production with Kolbe Windows & Doors, but outside his career, Andy's passions lay elsewhere. He loved photography, hiking, biking, and his church, Trinity Lutheran. He combined many of his passions. He took photographs primarily of nature, but he also captured photos while hiking and biking to many places.

His passions led him to serve on the bike and pedestrian subcommittee of the Wausau Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Wausau's Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He was delighted with the development of the River Edge Walkway. He was active with Wausau Wheelers and enjoyed the camaraderie of riding with fellow bikers. He loved Rib Mountain, the Ice Age Trail, Wausau's riverfront, and Wausau Whitewater.

He spent many years supporting the Wausau Christian Outreach for the Visually Impaired. This ministry provides an opportunity for blind and visually impaired people to experience fellowship and social activities, to network with others and learn about available resources, and to share in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grow in faith.

Andy also spoke fondly of the Band of Brothers from Trinity, an organization whose goal is to develop, disciple, and mentor men to lead in their families, workplaces, and communities.

He created a blog on Medium: https://andrewplath26.medium.com/, where he wrote on many topics and combined his photos. In one called the River of Life, Andy wrote: "It is a question of age. I look old, but I do not feel old. I still want to look for new possibilities, but time is running out. The biological clock is now at 8:00 pm. The end of life is coming quicker than we could possibly think. In time, God will call me home."

Andy is survived by his sister, Julie, and her two sons, Timothy and Daniel, as well as a great niece, Willow, all in Wausau, and multiple cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother-in-law, as well as numerous other grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service (Celebration of Life) will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI, on April 25, tentatively scheduled for 11 am. More details will follow and be updated via Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wausau Wheelers, Habitat for Humanity, or Trinity Lutheran Church of Wausau.