Andrea Mae Hassel, age 45, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025, surrounded by her family following a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer.

Andrea was born in Minneapolis, MN, on July 29, 1979 to Gary Hassel and Najia Hassel, joining older sister Holly (b. 1974). The next year, the family relocated to Brainerd, Minnesota, where Andrea attended Whittier Elementary and Washington Middle school. Two younger brothers Tyler (b. 1987) and Wade (b. 1989) were born in Brainerd. In 1992, the family moved to Grand Rapids, MN where she graduated from high school in 1997.

From a young age, Andrea was an athlete; she joined gymnastics at age four and pursued excellence in the sport from elementary school to college. She competed as a college gymnast at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1997-2001, and graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. It was in Menomonie during college that she met Patrick Allen, who became her husband in April of 2005.

Andrea had not intended to return to Grand Rapids for her career; however, Patrick (who earned a degree in Business) had coincidentally been assigned by a Twin Cities-based company to coordinate shipping for Blandin Paper Mill and was already residing in Grand Rapids. Andrea joined him there--thinking it to be a brief stop on their life journey.

However, fate had other plans. Back in her hometown, Andrea returned gradually to gymnastics through coaching and after a short time, she and Patrick decided to take a risk and start their own gymnastics club -Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy. The business grew from 60 children in a rented building in 2003 to construction on their own facility in 2016.

Andrea and Patrick grew the gymnastics community throughout Northern Minnesota, leading with their values: personal growth and self improvement, determination to meet challenges, and building supportive communities. Andrea and her staff coached thousands of young athletes as the owner-operator and head coach at GRGA, with many gymnasts reaching regional and national distinctions and competing at the highest levels beyond their time at GRGA. Many gymnasts returned to work at GRGA as coaches.

Andrea was voted most inspirational gymnast twice during her college career, and this is also her legacy. She aimed for excellence as a coach and a community figure; she supported her gymnasts while she demanded their best, helping them overcome challenges. When she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in May of 2020, her strength and resilience continued to inspire those who read about her journey on Caring Bridge or spent time in conversation with her in the gym. Despite aggressive medical treatments, scans in 2022 showed her cancer had metastasized. She fought for three more years to have more time with her friends, family, and gymnastics community.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a funeral service to follow at Noon. Interment will follow at Harris Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN. Andrea asked that attendees dress comfortably and minimize or avoid black clothing in favor of bright colors, including her favorite color: pink.

Memorials in Andrea's Memory may be directed to "Andrea's Garden," a memorial garden that is being built near Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy. The gymnastics community imagines it will be a space for reflection, walks, flowers and vegetables, yoga, movie nights, and special events. This is the current fundraising page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-andreas-garden-to-life.

Andrea is survived by her beloved partner in life and business, Patrick Allen; her parents Gary and Najia Hassel, her sister Holly Hassel (Benjamin Schultz), her brother Tyler Hassel (Rebecca), and her brother Wade, as well as nieces and nephews Beatrix and Gus Homsel, Emily Allen, and Emmitt and Elouise Hassel.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.