Alan John Kitchen

Alan John Kitchen, born September 25, 1934, in North Tonawanda, New York, passed away at age 90 on May 23, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

At just 17, Alan joined the United States Air Force - fudging his age on the paperwork because he was determined to serve his country from 1952 to 1956. He served as a cryptographer while in Frankfurt, Germany for two years. After his service, he studied Ceramic Engineering at Alfred University in New York and graduated in 1960.

Alan began his career working in ceramic engineering plants, became a small business owner in 1975, and continued to work as a handyman well into "retirement." There was hardly a home he and his wife, Ilse, lived in that didn't showcase his handiwork - furniture he built, rooms he renovated, projects he tackled with care and skill.

He was also deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge and served as a Master in Wabash, Indiana, a role he held with pride and dedication. His service in the lodge reflected his lifelong values of integrity, fellowship, and service to others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ilse Doerler Kitchen, and his sister, Sally Maxson. He is survived by his children: Lisa (Chris) Baker, Linda Kitchen, Mark (Paula) Kitchen, and Marlene (Luke) Brandemuehl; grandchildren: Jessica (Drew) Kessler, Paul (Margot) Kitchen, Anna (Luke) MacGregor, Jennifer Baker, Sarah Seitz, and Heidi Seitz; and great-grandchildren: Cameron Kessler and Emerson Kessler.

Alan was the definition of a family man - coming home from work to wrestle with his four young children, always involved, always present. He was also an athlete: high school badminton champ, Air Force basketball player, and undefeated family cornhole tournament contender.

His kids carry with them the life skills he passed on - how to use a saw, how to tie a knot, how to be a kind and decent person. To his grandkids, he was "trouble" - in the best way. Playful, mischievous, and full of fun.

Alan loved the outdoors. He could often be found working in the yard, taking long walks in the woods, or camping. He left his mark on every place he lived, and even more so on the people who knew and loved him.

Friends and family will be made aware of the Celebration of Life Service that will occur in the fall of 2025. For those who wish may donate in Alan's name to groups he was highly passionate about:

Indiana Masonic Home Foundation

P.O. Box 44210 Indianapolis, IN 46244-0210

(317) 637-9582

https://imhf.org/support/donate-online/

Munds Park Community Church (Benevolence Fund)

P.O. Box 18382

Munds Park, AZ 86017