Alex W. Vitalis

Alex William Vitalis, age 20 of Franconia, Minnesota, passed away accidentally on July 15, 2013.

Thanks to the many who have poured their love on our family. The loss of a unique and vibrant young man has almost been more than we can bear. Here is what we would like you to know about our loving son. Alex always had a smile for you a mile wide – no kidding! Alex competed three times at State in swimming and diving. He loved football and track and set the pole vault record his senior year. He displayed amazing athleticism in everything he did. Alex loved the Lord and living on the St. Croix River. He had an intimate knowledge and respect for the river, teaching classmates and friends how to canoe while also sharing with them his joy and passion for river life: God’s majesty revealed to him.

After graduating from Chisago Lakes High School, Alex traveled to Norway. He studied Norwegian culture and outdoor adventure at a traditional Folk School. Among his adventures he climbed the second highest mountain in Norway. He completed his first year at the University of St. Thomas pursuing a degree in engineering and learning Norwegian at Augsburg. He was a brilliant mind. He was unassuming and never boastful. Alex loved strong coffee, and his French Press; music, hunting, fishing, reading, and planning his next adventure – Always!

Alex was his father Wade’s right hand man – his “buddy”; dedicated and dutiful. Alex inherited his passions for travel and the St. Croix River from his dad. Alex loved his sister Gwen; they were inseparable and often had what Gwen called “twin telepathy.” Alex was a role model for his brother Peter, sharing his music and spending time loving on his little brother. And Alex adored his mother Carol with whom he shared a very special bond. He loved and was loved by his family and us all. We will miss him and never forget him.

Alex is preceded in death by his grandparents Bill and Dona Vitalis and great uncle Jack Vitalis.

He is survived by his loving parents Wade Vitalis and Carol Nagele-Vitalis; sister Gwen; brother Peter; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends. Funeral Services were Saturday, July 20, 2013 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, Minnesota.

Visitation was Friday at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. Private family interment at Franconia Cemetery in Franconia, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to: Alex Vitalis Memorial Fund at Royal Credit Union, PO Box 837, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 for use at Maryknoll Lay Missioners C/O Dr. Susan Nagele (Alex’s aunt). Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrand fh.com