Alvin Vlietstra, aged 79, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024. He was born on August 27, 1943, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Martin and Martha Vlietstra. He was happily married to Nadine Vlietstra for 31 wonderful years and enjoyed “sucking face” until the end.

He retired as the lead chemist for the City of Saint Louis Water Division and moved on to becoming the lead chemist for “The Farm” producing his own award-winning dry wine. Alvin’s dry wines reflected his dry sense of humor, subtle and understated.

Alvin enjoyed being outside any chance he could get. He took pride and joy in his flowers and plants and was always happy to talk about them (and the science behind them) to anyone who passed by. He took joy in the scientific world and understanding how things worked and how to make them better. Alvin’s pursuit of the sciences continues as he graciously donated his body to science, so the next generation can better understand Alzheimer’s disease.

Alvin is survived by his loving wife, Nadine, and children Justin (Amy) Vlietstra and Kirstin (Steve) Biery. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Cynthia (George) Yoder and their children Colleen and Natalie.

Alvin is survived by all nine of his siblings: Ken (Kathy) Vlietstra, Ed (Thelma) Vlietstra, Larry (Thelma) Vlietstra, Phil (Judy) Vlietstra, Virginia (Ray) Morgan, Hank (Sharon) Vlietstra, Elly (Tom) Kuiper, Tom (Elaine) Vlietstra, and Martha Looney. He is also survived by countless nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the celebration of life memorial service for Alvin on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 10:00am. The memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Saint Louis located at 5007 Waterman Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63108.