Alvin VanSickle
Alvin R. VanSickle, 76, of Fountain, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Alvin was born in Ludington on July 14, 1949, the son of Robert L. and Dorothy (Budzynski) VanSickle and graduated from Mason County Eastern High School with the class of 1967.
Alvin furthered his education at Ferris State College where he graduated with an A.A.S. degree in HVACR Technology. On Aug. 17, 1968 he married Linda R. Long in a ceremony held at the home of lifelong friends on Ford Lake and celebrated 57 years together.
After graduation, Alvin went on to work at Ziehm L.P. Gas in Scottville and then started his own successful business, Al VanSickle Heating & Cooling where he became very respected in the area and surrounding counties. In 1979, Alvin and his family purchased H. Smedberg & Son Hardware in Custer and renamed it Custer Hardware. Alvin and Linda also owned and operated Allin Ice and Storage in Fountain for many years until their retirement.
Alvin was an avid hunter and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the love of hunting. He found joy just spending time with family adventures traveling the western states, Florida and hunting out west with his son-in-laws.
Alvin and Linda enjoyed their second home in the U.P. exploring all areas with their grandchildren, family and many friends. One of his favorite things was to pick his grandkids up every morning, take them to get breakfast treats and drive them to school. In his last years, he just loved watching his great grandchildren play and have fun.
Along with his wife Linda, Alvin will be greatly missed by his daughters Sue Ellen (Fred) VandeVoorde and Kelley (Troy) Cogle all of Fountain and Miranda (Darrell) Crawford of Custer; his grandchildren Taylor VandeVoorde, Aaron (Kirstin) VandeVoorde, Brenna VandeVoorde, Kasey (Abby) Cogle, Kyle (Kaley) Cogle, Wyatt Crawford and Avery Crawford; his great-grandchildren Aiden, Archer, Khloe, Ellie, and Liam; his brothers Jim (Jeanne) VanSickle, and Charles (Julie) VanSickle; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many longtime friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy; his brother Tom; sister Sue Ellen; and In-laws, Edward and Edith Long.
A time of visitation with Alvin’s family will be held on Friday, June 19 from 4to 6 p.m. at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville with a luncheon to follow at Sherman Township Hall in Fountain at 7 p.m. Those who wish to remember Alvin with a memorial donation are asked to please consider his family.
Please visit Alvin’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Alvin with his family.
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