Alan S. Vitse

Alan “Al” Sidney Vitse, beloved husband of Nancy, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Al was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 7, 1955. He grew up in Mequon, WI, spending his boyhood summers at his grandparent's farm in Houston, MN where he developed his love of animals and the wonders of machinery. After graduation from Homestead High School in Mequon, Al enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Prairie which took him to the Philippines and Japan. Using the skills learned in the Navy, he worked for Milwaukee Faucets and then Berco of America until retirement in 2015. He and Nancy (née Ernst) were married on September 19, 1976 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistadt, WI.

Al, affectionately known as Mr. Fix-It to his family and friends, was always busy with some type of project, whether for home improvement or just for fun. He was a student of history who loved reading and visiting museums. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors – whether camping with family, gardening with his wife, riding his motorcycle and bicycle, or just spending a summer evening in the garage. He was always a sailor at heart, and enjoyed sailing on small boats including a catamaran he built himself.

His sense of humor and great storytelling ability brought a smile to many – from humorous letters to vendors through his work, whimsical letters to his granddaughters from invented fairies living in his yard, or just to family and friends sitting around a camp fire.

Al is survived by his devoted wife Nancy, his children Nick (Liz) Vitse and Tyler (Lindsay) Vitse, and granddaughters Leah and Madelyn Vitse. He is also survived by his sisters Mary (Peter) Kopp and Patricia (Larry) Ziemer and brothers and sisters-in-law Cheryl Ernst, Barbara (Larry) Fiedler, Sandra Ernst-Anderson, Greg (Susan) Ernst, Kevin Ernst, Mark (Laurie) Ernst, two aunts and an uncle, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Al was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah, parents Irving and Mavis Vitse, in-laws Elmer and Elsie Ernst, brother-in-law Walter Ernst, and nephew Robert Ernst.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11 to 1 o'clock followed by Christian service at 1 PM.

If desired, donations in Al's name may be made to Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Sheboygan Humane Society, American Heart Association, or St. Paul Lutheran Church.