Arystarch "Aryst" O. Kirsch, age 69 passed away on January 25, 2026 at UW Hospital in Madison.  He was born exactly at midnight on May 25, 1956 in Poland.  Aryst grew up loving and appreciating artwork of all kinds, perhaps in part due to his father who was an artist and painter.  Aryst went to a rigorous art school for a few years in Poland.  After emigrating to America he worked as a graphic artist, working for some of the largest advertising companies as well as small businesses and freelance work.

Aryst had a love of gardening, plants, and animals.  He created a beautiful garden single-handedly behind our building.  Aryst worked very hard placing bricks, lights, and making somewhat of a walk-way around and through the garden.  He planted all kinds of vegetables and flowers, including Lisa's favorite sun flowers.  In all the years Aryst and his fiancée Lisa were together they've always had cats, and Aryst gave them as much love and joy as he received from them.  Aryst was a very outgoing and social person with many friends from all walks of life.  Aryst held his friendships very close.  Once you became his friend you were his friend for life.  He was also very health conscious and took his health as well as other very seriously.  Aryst was very knowledgeable about nutrition and the role in plays in maintaining good health.  He was a wonderful cook who could whip up something on the spot that would out-do any five star meal.  He also loved biking and would ride his bike for miles in any type of weather.  He always said he felt better after a good long ride.

Unfortunately, Aryst had cancer which spread during his last year, and he suffered cruelly, particularly during his last few months.  His death was very hard and harsh.

Aryst is survived by his longtime fiancée Elizabeth "Lisa" Andrews, many friends, and feline companions Tom-Tom and Taffy.

Last but not least, Aryst was the love of my life (Lisa) for almost 17 years.  I loved Aryst and cherish those years and our life together and I miss him deeply.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Grace Church, 416 2nd St., New Glarus, WI with Pastor Darrell Boomer officiating.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting.