Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a dedicated intensive care unit nurse and beloved son, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 37 years old. A resident of South Minneapolis, Alex was known by his colleagues, neighbors, and friends as a warmhearted individual with a profound commitment to caring for others. His sudden loss is deeply felt by the community he served and the many lives he touched through his medical work and kindness.  

Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Alex was an active and engaged youth. He attended Preble High School, graduating in 2006, where he was a multi-sport athlete participating in football, baseball, and track. Beyond athletics, he served as a Boy Scout and sang with the Green Bay Boy Choir, early indications of his diverse interests and community spirit. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in Biology, Society, and Environment in 2011.  

Alex’s professional life was defined by a passion for science and service. He initially worked as a research scientist, contributing to the academic community as a junior scientist at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Driven by a desire to work more directly with people, he returned to school to earn his nursing degree in 2021. He served as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, where he was devoted to the care and recovery of veterans.  

Outside of the hospital, Alex was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in nature. He loved mountain biking and going on adventures with his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule. Neighbors in his South Minneapolis community remember him as a quiet and helpful presence, always willing to lend a hand or ensure the safety of those around him. He is survived by his parents, Michael and his mother, of Colorado, who remember him as a son who cared deeply about the well-being of others.