Albert Marshall Vise

Al Vise, inspirational and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend passed away December 8, 2020 in Salt Lake City at the remarkable age of 101.  Al was a force and lived a rich, fascinating and full life.  Born in Knoxville, Tennessee to William Marshall and Jimmie Lee Mae Blake Vise, he was the only son in a family with five sisters. The Vise family moved to Carlisle, Kentucky when Al was just three years old and there he spent his youth.   In high school, Al lettered in football and was a part of a memorable undefeated season in 1937. He joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1938 and later the U.S. Army in 1941.  

A proud World War II Veteran, Staff Sergeant, Albert Vise served in the Army’s 7th Field Artillery, First Division, known as the BIG RED ONE landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France as part of the fifth wave fighters during the D-Day invasion.  The war years initially took Al to Belfast, Northern Ireland for seven months of training before shipping out to French North Africa, Sicily and ultimately Normandy.  In Belfast, Al met the love of his life, his “Irish Rose” and future wife, Etta Wilson who joined him in the USA after the war.  In 1945,  Al moved to Utah, where his family had relocated, bringing his new bride to join a close extended family and create their own life together.  They were married fifty-one years until her death in 1997.  They had a full and adventurous life and strong work ethic running a successful business together, Al’s Hair Design on the Eastside of Salt Lake City for fifty years. Life long friendships were  made with their customers along the way.   Al retired at age 80 and his fun-loving sense of adventure and love of travel continued after Etta’s passing, touring China, Russia, Poland, Denmark and Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico, England, Italy and France, where he was able to pay his respects again to fallen comrades so many years later at Normandy.  Al also found his inner artist in later years as an accomplished sketch artist and woodworker.  He was an avid Utah Jazz fan and rarely missed a game and golfed as long as he was able.

Al is survived by his four children, daughters Pamela (Stephen) Hutchinson, Salt Lake City, Sharon Parks, Twin Falls, ID, Marilyn (Mick) Behunin, Ferron, UT and son, Philip (Terri) Vise, Corona, CA. He was Pappa to eight devoted  grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Honored as a centenarian by the Governor of Utah and in numerous Veteran tributes, Al was also a commissioned Kentucky Colonel and left a significant positive impression on everyone he met.

So many years well lived, so much given to this country.  His presence we miss, his memory we cherish. 

Thank You to the staff at the Ridge Cottonwood Assisted Living, Al’s home for the past five years for their respectful care and friendship and to the compassionate team at Inspiration Hospice.

A celebration tribute of his life and legacy will take place once family and friends can gather again in 2021.