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
Offer Condolence for the family of Nicholas Hunstad
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dawn Kittleson
David and I are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Steve & Rebecca Boss
We are so sorry to learn of Nicholas’ passing. Please know our thoughts are with your family and accept our sincere condolences. May you find Peace in your favorite memories of him.
Kelly lewis
Patti and I are so sorry for your loss. No one should die so young, we are thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time.
Dennis Prosen
Though it certainly is not enough to fill the emptiness you feel at this great time of loss, Renee and I send our condolences and best wishes for you and your family.
Jigar Modi
This is indeed very shocking and tragic. Please accept our condolences. May divine soul rest in peace. May God give enough courage to Bruce and loved ones in this very difficult time.
Janelle Wallace
Lori and family,
My heart hurts so much for your loss. Your son truly sounds like an amazing young man. May all the wonderful memories help comfort you. Sending prayers and hugs.
Janelle
Steve and Jody Noetzel
Our hearts ache for you and your family. We offer our deepest sympathy on your loss and ask for God’s blessing that you may find peace and strength from those around you in this impossibly difficult time.
Praying for you,
Steve and Jody Noetzel
Carol Biernat
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
One cannot imagine.
May your happy memories of time spent together let you smile everyday. Big hugs.
Love , Carol Biernat family
Bruce and Michelle Paakh
Michelle and I send our deepest sympathyto you in the loss of Nicholas. Keeping you in our prayers.
Dave & Kay Kulics
May you take comfort in knowing that the Angels took Nick to a beautiful place with his Lord and is at peace.
Praying that you and your family will find peace and comfort in recalling all of the wonderful times you had while he was with you here on earth. Blessings!
Abby&Luke Fitcher
We are here to support you Dustin and Amanda with whatever you need. Sending lots of prayers your way
Catherine Haugen
Joel and I are sending warm thoughts and prayers to your family during this time. May you find peace and comfort in God’s blessings. Hugs to you.
Cathy & Joel Haugen & family
Jennifer (Brox) Spille
My heart aches, and prays for your family. I remember his bright energy he brought with him to the stage, so passionate. That’s the Nick I’ll remember.
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John14
Siew Kin Chow
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’ll always have the beautiful memory of Nick.
Jo Nelson
I am truly sorry for your loss. Nick sounds like a great guy. I cannot imagine the agony you are going through. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that many people who didn’t even know Nick are heartbroken for you and for him. My prayers will go out for you.
Jill O'Gorman
Bruce & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for peace and comfort for your family.
Jill O’Gorman( Stordahl)
William Gilman
My words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Ken & Sue Warras
We send you our sincere condolences and prayers on this day and in the coming weeks.
May God bless you and your family with love and courage.
Pete Morin
Sorry to hear of your loss. Keep your head up and keep moving on.
Lauralie Karels
So sorry for your loss. Depression is indeed a deadly disease.
Camryn, Haley, Dawn, Kayla & Melody
“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
I hope you and your whole family feel Nicholas’ love and that of those around you. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
Lori, we’ll be thinking of you and your family, and are here for you when you’re ready.
Joan M. Hance
I am so sorry for your loss Bruce, Lori and Amanda. Sending hugs, love and lots of prayers to you all.
Rick & Adrienne Harrison
We are so sorry for all those who cherished Nick and were touched by his warmth. I first met him when I spoke at a LEED conference on land development techniques when Nick spoke out and asked if we take on interns. A few months later I got a call from him and was not sure that a student in construction would be a good fit for actually designing land developments, but I did give Nick a chance and interviewed him. There is often something missing from many that I interview which concerns me – a lack of passion – well, Nick had passion and I was impressed. We gave him a computer and sent him home with manuals and he surprised us by how easily and quickly he grasped both technology and technique, enough so, that we invited him to intern with our small team. Everyone loved working with Nick and was often taken aback with his natural design talent, something we rarely get a chance to see in others. His education in construction was vastly different in direction than what he learned with us and we talked about his joining our company taking a different career track – he was that talented. I also had him check the new technical manuals we wrote for a new software product we were developing, and discovered his mastering of the English language and grammar. I don’t think anyone has ever red lined more of my writing than Nick, literally several hundred changes – all great. His manner and personality fit well within our company which is more like a studio than corporate environment. The world is missing a very special person who would have done some amazing things.
Mal and Kris McCarthy
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Samantha Blakeley
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Nick at Paws and Pals and he was always a ray of sunshine. He was truly a joy to be around and I’m sure he will be missed by all who have met him.
Dillon Bedney
I am so sorry for your loss. Depression is indeed a horrible disease that I know all too well. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Kristen Swanson
Words can not describe the loss of a loved one!! May you find strength in one another during this painful time. Please know that the few times I meet Nick at the Sharkey house, we all were drawn to his enthusiasm and kind demeanour. We’d gather around the fire and enjoyed lighthearted conversation. He was loved by my niece, Heather and fellow classmates. Gentle soul, gone way too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Bruce
Sincerest condolences. I had the pleasure of working with Nick at Paws and Pals. He was an absolute delight and a genuinely wonderful person. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
Madeline Struck
Nick was the first person I met when I came to Jordan in the first grade. I remember he was reading a story to the class when I walked in to visit before starting there halfway through the year. I was shy and scared, and he immediately came over and talked to me. He was one of my first friends, and he always stood up for me when I was picked on. He was an exceptionally kind person, and I am so lucky to have known him.
I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Kari Bigot
Lori and Family,
There simple are no words to say. I am so very sorry for your loss and will hold you in my heart and prayers.
Kari
Suzanne Dawidowicz Family
Bruce, Lori, Amanda and family:
We are so sorry for your heartache and wish you hope and peace during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Johnston
I first met Nick , when he was 14, outside mowing. He certainly made a sizeable first time impression, as a young adolescent he had already acquired amazing communication and social skills along with such a warm, friendly personality. Further talks with Nick not only revealed that he was a special gifted young man with many creative skills and talent but also the fact that he put his heart , mind and soul into the smallest acts which I knew would make him very successful one day.
My prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this most challenging time…..take care….If I can be of any help or support please don’t hesitate to give me a call
Amy Cox
Lori and family, your tribute to Nick is beautifully written. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the love that surrounds you. -Amy
Jemen
I’m deeply sorry for your guys losses.. a lot of us will miss you. Nick was kind always. He cared more then most people would.. he was a great teammate.. great class mate. Just outstanding. He is and will remain to be strong.
Claire Robling
Bruce, Lori, and family,
My heart goes out to all of you. Please accept my condolences. May your beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort to you during this difficult time.
Your hunting friends from Colorado
Bruce – We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are here for you if there is ANYTHING we can do!
Gia DesLauriers
Bruce, Lori and Amanda,
My apologies that this happened. My apologies that mere words are insufficient in representing my own feelings let alone helping your broken hearts in any way.
My heart has been breaking for you ever since I heard this news. In some small way I hope that my grieving takes a little burden off your shoulders and lifts you up through the wide support network of friends and family you have. You did everything right and were the perfect family for Nick. He was very loved and respected and appreciated. So many things are out of our control which is a difficult thing to accept. Don’t rush your grief or feel ashamed by it. It’s the way you are showing your love for Nick.
Please know that I — along with so many others — will ache forevermore over this loss. Nicholas was a gift, just one that you held for a shorter time than you wanted. Now you can remember him as that same gift but in your hearts and minds in any way or at any time whether its a gust of wind, ray of sunshine, or random nature scene that inspires you to think of him.
Love to you all,
Gia and family
Marc Hamren
Bruce,
So sad to hear. I’m praying that you and Lori and Amanda will experience God’s peace in and through this trial.
In His love,
Marc Hamren
Bruce Tjosvold
Bruce & Lori, you and your family are in my thoughts. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Love
Bruce Tjosvold
Mike and Sandy Brown
Bruce and Lori,
You and Nicholas are in our prayers.
Jenny Worden
Bruce, There are no words… My heart aches for you and all of Nick’s family and friends.
My sincere condolences.
Joe & Debbie (Moke) Lopo
In sympathy and friendship, we hope you find comfort & peace in those cherished memories of Nick dearest to your hearts. Loved ones live on there and this joy of remembrance we pray will get you through…
Blessings,
Joe & Debbie (Moke) Lopo
Scott Karau
Bruce,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
The Pratt Family
There are simply no words. We are truly sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to all of you in Minnesota… Brandon & Betsy Pratt
Rita
Nick was such an amazing person. We met when we both lived and went to school in Mankato. I can’t say I knew him exceptionally well, but I do know how special he was and is. Mankato was a difficult time for me, and I think the more often I was around Nick, the more he noticed that. I didn’t have many friends there and I was hurting badly, very depressed and on the brink of ending my own life. Nick and I would always leave campus to walk around the woods and hike or walk to the parks nearby and just sit outside and talk. He was extremeltly funny, charismatic, caring, incredibly smart and the least judgmental person I know. It hurts me that I can’t tell this all to him. But I just want him and his family to know, no matter how short of time he was in my life, he truly made an impact on it. Sending peace and prayer to him and his family.
Lori Hunstad
Renee, we are so happy that you reached out to us to share your story of Nick. Words can’t describe how much we are all missing his kind spirit, bright smile, warm hugs, happy laugh and more. Knowing he was able to help someone who also felt helpless brings a sense of peace. He was always able to help those around him, but unable to help himself – even with our (my) help.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Lori – Nick’s mom
Bruce R
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all family and friends. May all families look forward to a time in the near future when death will be no more and all sickness will be done away with. Isaiah 25:8 and 33:24.
Lucas Family
The Bible helps us to appreciate that God cares for us, and in the near future, there will be a time when God will “wipe out every tear” from our eyes, and “death will be no more” Revelation 21:3, 4. Please take care of yourselves and each other and know that our thoughts are with you.
PATRICIA Mohrbacher
your tribute/obituary to Nick is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt that I have ever read. I do not know you or your family but wish to express my deepest sympathy to all of his loved ones. My brother also lost his battle with depression..
PATRICIA Mohrbacher
Shakopee, MN
Patrick and Jane Hammann
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.