The bright radiant smile, the kind heart, strong and wonderful personality of Nicholas Casey Hunstad, age 21, was suddenly taken away from his family on Friday, June 2, 2017, after losing his battle with depression.
Nicholas’ family will greet guests on Thursday, June 8, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 104 West First Street, Jordan and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, June 9, at 11 am, at Hope Lutheran Church 201 Avenue of Hope, Jordan, MN. Pastor Steve Thompson will preside. Pall bearers will be Gil Hunstad, Dennis Hunstad, Brad Hagg, Christopher Anonen, Robert Anonen, Dustin Smeins, Jake Hooper, Jeff Temte. He will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Spirit Hill Cemetery, Jordan, MN.
It was an extremely hot day of July 27, 1995, when Bruce and Lori (Anonen) Hunstad welcomed Nicholas into their arms. Born at Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville, MN, he was a 9 lb. 3 oz., blonde hair and blue-eyed boy, whom immediately warmed their heart. Nick was truly a gift!!!. From early on, he had this strong personality, yet was so kind hearted and gentle. He mirrored the likes of his father. He never judged anyone and everyone instantly became a friend. Nick had a special gift of being able to communicate with people, regardless of their age.
Nick spent his first five years living in Savage, before moving and starting school at Jordan in 2000. He loved being outdoors. The home in Jordan allowed him and older sister, Amanda, to spend countless hours on adventures in the back woods. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and any activity outdoors. Through the years, the family traveled all over Minnesota spending quality time camping. They also took adventurous trips to the Black Hills and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which will never be forgotten.
As an intelligent and smart individual, Nick, excelled as a student. He first took advanced college courses during high school, through Normandale Community College and participated in track and cross country. Nick graduated from Jordan High School in 2013. He then furthered his education for one year at Mankato State University, before transferring to Dunwoody Institute. Nick soon would have completed a Construction Project Management degree. Passionate and excited about his career, Nick felt he was going to be able to make a difference in the safety of others on the job site.
Above all, Nick had many other passions. He enjoyed working in the yard and helping his mom with her flowers. Nick had a unique and creative eye for photography. He enjoyed the fast pace and active life style in Minneapolis, with his partner, Brian Shepley. Together, they enjoyed hiking, biking, exploring caves, taking walks and sharing great food and a cold beer. Nick helped and loved remodeling Brian’s condo to make it their own style and bringing nature indoors.
Nick loved spring break vacations, particularly to Colorado to ski with his dad and visit his family out there. He enjoyed road trips, especially up to the lake with his grandparents, exploring and taking notes of the adventures and looked forward to sharing them when he returned. Nick treasured collecting elephants, sky diving, dancing and hanging out with everyone. His greatest passions were his love for animals, family, and friends, especially dogs and his own dog Biscuit. He loved pet sitting for everyone and caring for their animals.
Our lives are filled with trials and tribulations. Nicholas too faced the ups and downs of life but his greatest joy was being a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. We are now left honoring his life by helping others in need. He often quoted, “When you’re lost, there is always a way back, even if it takes a while to get there”.
Left to honor Nicholas’ life and carry on his legacy are his parents, Bruce and Lori; sister, Amanda (Dustin) Smeins; niece, Addie Smeins; partner, Brian Shepley; grandparents, Gary and Pat Anonen, Donald and Carolyn Hunstad; many loving relatives and devoted friends. There to welcome Nicholas home in heaven are his great-grandparents.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Jordan Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Hunstad family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
