February 19, 1956 – April 27, 2019
Alan Kirby Mitzenius, 63, passed away at his home in Okeechobee, Fla., on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Born February 19, 1956 in Denver, Colo., he was the son of the late Walter George and Wilma Irene (Kirby) Mitzenius. Alan was a 1974 graduate of R.O.V.A. High School in Oneida, Ill., and a 1980 graduate of Carl Sandburg College, earning his undergraduate degree in Industrial Drafting.
For many years Alan was able to combine his love of travel and adventure with his passion for work. As a drafting engineer, he worked on projects in numerous states in including Washington, California, New York, Georgia and Florida. Alan also enjoyed cooking, so much so, that he eventually opened up his own food truck, once again allowing him the opportunity to combine work, travel (on a somewhat smaller scale) and lots of adventures.
Family was very important to Alan, even the four-legged members. Like his mother, Alan had a soft spot in his heart for animals. He loved his rescue dog named Cuddles and took excellent care of his late mother’s cat Sandy.
Alan is survived by his son, Deven Ray Mitzenius, McKinney, Texas; two sisters, Gay Smallwood (Gary), Norfolk, Va., and Paula Mitzenius, Lakewood, Fla.; nephew, Jason Smallwood if Pennsylvania; great uncle to Jason’s seven children; several cousins and the many friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; uncle, Don Kirby; aunt, Betty Kirby Egler; two cousins, Ron Kirby and Juanita Kirby West; and by his former wife Dee. Alan and Dee met, fell in love and were married while Alan was working on projects in Kansas.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Pastor James Thurston will be officiating. Following the service, Alan will be laid to rest at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.
Arrangements
Celebration of Life: 2 p.m., Oct. 5
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com