Andrew Timothy Staggenborg
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Andrew Timothy Staggenborg, who left us far too soon on April 18, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 22.
Born Andriy Kochmar on December 29, 2002, in Lviv, Ukraine, Andrew brought an infectious smile, a cheerful heart, a generous soul and an unwavering desire to help others. Andrew had a deep love for animals, fish, plants, and art, but above all, his family and friends.
To know him was to love him —even if, at times, you wanted to strangle him for the mess he left behind or the fish and plants he unexpectedly entrusted to your care. Andrew was joyful, helpful, fiercely kind, unfailingly sweet, sometimes goofy, often clumsy, but always loving. His golden heart, sharp sense of humor, and compassionate soul made him unforgettable. His twinkling blue eyes and bright smile lit up every room he walked into. His broken English and cute, endearing accent only made him more lovable.
Though he faced many challenges in his short life, Andrew never let them hold him back. He lived more fully in 22 years than most do in a lifetime.
Andrew had a passion for people, travel, learning, graphic design and life itself. He was deeply connected to both his Ukrainian and American roots, and he carried them proudly. He was excited about the future—about what was next. Earlier this year, he had the chance to model for the first time and was a natural in front of the camera. He was planning a trip to Poland and Ukraine this summer to reconnect with family. He had recently graduated with an associate’s degree from St. Louis Community College and was thriving in his first semester at UMSL, proud of the hard work he was putting into his studies.
Andrew is survived by his loving parents, Tim and Kim Staggenborg; his siblings, Mira and Grant Staggenborg; his grandparents, John and Judy Staggenborg; his aunt and uncle, Jennifer Staggenborg and Will Chapin; and his special friend, Karina Sharafutdinova—all of the St. Louis area. He is also survived by his grandmother Valentina, godmother Alla, and sisters Olena and Galina, all in the Lviv area of Ukraine, along with many extended family members and close friends around the world. He was preceded in death by his mother, Angela Kochmar of Ukraine, and his grandparents Jerry and Phyllis Maxwell of Oklahoma.
We will miss you, sweet Andriy. We are so grateful for the time we had with you, and we thank God for choosing us to be your family. We will consider ourselves eternally blessed to have lived, loved and laughed alongside you. Though your time with us was far shorter than we had hoped, your spirit will live on in our hearts and most cherished memories. Go now and do all that your soul longs to do—until we meet again. We send you with all our love, and carry you with us, always and forever.
What an incredibly beautiful tribute. We will pray for peace and comfort for the family.
Kim,
I wish I had known Andrew because he certainly must have brightened so many lives. My heart goes out to you and your family for this unfathomable loss of your precious son.
What a special young man and a blessing to us! We enjoyed getting to know Andrew. Our love to all of you, Cindy and Craig Bodenschatz and Danielle Walter
Dear Kim and Tim, Mira and Grant,
Jim and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers.
I have always felt like I knew Andrew through all the beautiful photos and joyousness depicted in them .
What a wonderful gift he was to all of you and to those he touched.
We send our love and sympathy to Cousin, Judy and John, also, and will keep all of you in our prayers.
Myrna
We are deeply saddened to hear of Andrew’s passing. We met Andrew at University of Missouri St. Louis. From his very first day in class, Andrew made an impression. He was smiley and friendly, and eager to learn and explore in each class period.
Andrew was a model design student; he was very passionate about graphic design. His positive attitude was infectious, improving the class for everybody. Andrew worked hard on every project this semester, and we were impressed by his professionalism and communication, which showed a maturity far beyond his years.
Andrew’s visual style was extremely sophisticated and showed a lot of promise, and we were already looking forward to what he would make in the coming years. We were both glad to have the opportunity to know him even if it was for a short while. His presence will truly be missed.
Andrew was known for his kindness, gentleness, and unwavering optimism. A beloved member of our program and community, he was always quick with a smile and generous with his time and spirit.
His presence in the Graphic Communications program at STLCC–Meramec left a lasting impact on our faculty, classmates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. His journey from Lviv to St. Louis, and his growth as an artist and designer, were marked by resilience and a quiet positivity that inspired us all.
He will be deeply missed.
On behalf of the Department of Art + Design at UMSL, our deepest condolences to the Staggenborg family. I did not work directly with Andrew, but heard great things from my colleagues about his creative practice in the area of Graphic Design at UMSL.
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences for the family on this loss. God is good and we know your faith will lift you through this challenge. Andrew is safely resting in Jesus arms. May God continue to bless your family and comfort you in your loss.
As a student in my art history class this semester at UMSL, Andrew showed a remarkable ability to understand and appreciate visual art. He loved the way that art speaks to our innermost thoughts and dreams, and he showed a mature and compassionate understanding of the ways in which art could express what it means to be human. To his family, please know that your son touched many lives and left us all better people for having known him.
Oh sweet Andrew, I knew you were special from the moment I met you. an infectious smile and a beautiful soul. Your passion for all things living and arts really inspired me. Rest in peace sweet prince.
Dear Kim, Tim, Mira and Grant,
Andrew was a special person that we loved. He lit up a room with his smile and was caring and had a positive attitude.
We know our Lord is taking special care of him along with family and friends that got to heaven before him.
God is alongside of you to help you through your grief. Just know that he also uses us as his hand and feet so we are there for you for whatever you need.
God bless you and thank you for saying “yes” to being Andrew’s American family.
Sharon and Dominick
I was so sad to hear of Andrew’s passing. We went to STLCC together and enjoyed art classes together. He was kind, talented, and always tried to make me laugh! He was great company.
Although I graduated sooner than he, I was excited to be able to reconnect with him again at University of Missouri St. Louis. He was a light in the lives of everyone who knew him. May God comfort all of those who cared about him.