Obituaries

Alan "Al" David Wirtanen, age 59, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on July 3, 2025. Al was born December 24, 1965, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Ben and Lela (Lamoreaux) Wirtanen.

After graduating from Sault Area High School with the Class of 1986, Al proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1990. He returned home and worked for various places including recently his many years at AMI Industries.

Al was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, a good game of horseshoes, or just throwing a frisbee in the park. He loved to try his hand at new crafts, from building rustic outdoor furniture to rock tumbling the agates he collected along walks and hikes in the Upper Peninsula. He loved and was loved by his dogs, most recently River and Jack. He will be remembered for his laugh, his love of the outdoors, the twinkle in his eye before he played a prank on you, his Scooby- Doo impressions, but mostly for the love and kindness he showed to family and friends over the years.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Deb Wirtanen; daughter, Alyssa (Chase) Porter; grandsons, Hunter Porter and Eddie Porter; brothers, Mike Wirtanen and Daniel (Yumiko) Wirtanen; sister, Christine (Buddy) Dean; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends that he loved dearly.

Al was preceded in death by his mother and father, Benhard and Lela; brothers, Gilbert Wirtanen and Gary Wirtanen.

A private family memorial to celebrate the life of Al will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to remember Al by doing what he loved most. Get outdoors, plant a tree, collect rocks along the shoreline, call a friend, visit family and make memories, or just play a game of horseshoes in his honor.