Elstun W. Lauesen II
Dec 8, 1944 -
Apr 13, 2026
Elstun passed away on April 13, 2026, surrounded by family at the Alaska Native Medical Center. The cause of death was pulmonary failure from long COVID. He was 81.
Elstun Wilbur Lauesen II was born in Aurora, Ill., on Dec. 8, 1944, to Ella Boudry Lauesen of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and Elstun W. Lauesen of Lawrence, Kan. He was the youngest of six children and known by his family as "Butch." His parents, his sisters Linda and Juanita, and Elstun, then about 8 years old, relocated to Alaska, where he grew up primarily in North Pole. His older brother Raymond Lauesen joined them later. For a time, his dad was a winter caretaker at McKinley National Park, where Elstun enjoyed his favorite season and meeting interesting people and dignitaries from around the country. After graduating from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks in 1963, Elstun traveled around the United States philosophizing, settling for a time in Cambridge, Mass., where he attended Harvard College through a Native American education program and rented a basement room in the home of Constitutional law professor and scholar Laurence Tribe.
Elstun eventually returned to Alaska following stints of backpacking and hitchhiking through the U.S., Europe, and North Africa. In June 1974, he was introduced to Beth Kaplan of Queens, N.Y., by his childhood best friend, Michael Carey. Beth and Elstun married in 1977, and had two daughters, Rachel and Jenny. During this time, Elstun pursued his passions of rural economic development and entrepreneurship. Elstun and Beth were married for 20 years, and he was an involved, fun dad. He was extremely proud of his daughters, just as they are of him.
In March 1999, Elstun introduced himself to Harriet Drummond, a member of the Anchorage School Board, then the Anchorage Assembly and later in the Alaska State House. Elstun and Harriet married in July 2004, and Elstun adopted Harriet's son, Alex Drummond. Harriet and Elstun shared many similar interests and passions, particularly in the area of progressive political ideology and travel. Together, they built a loving and joyful life.
Elstun could turn an ordinary conversation into a philosophical debate, a comedy routine or an adventure. He was also an extremely talented writer and cartoonist, leaving behind an extensive collection of work. Elstun was a determined visionary who truly advocated for a more equitable, just, interesting and fun world. He approached life with relentless curiosity, humor and a refusal to think small. He loved music, ravens and philosophy. You could often find him dancing in his daughter's kitchen during get-togethers – the kind of joyful, spontaneous moments that became lifelong memories for those who loved him. Those who knew Elstun will remember his intellect, fierce convictions, creativity and enormous capacity for love. He was adored and will be greatly missed.
Elstun is lovingly remembered by his wife, Harriet Drummond; daughters, Rachel Lauesen and Jenny Lauesen Franger (Brian); son, Alex Drummond; two grandchildren, Arrom Steigleman and Olive Franger; four grandpups; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and hundreds of friends. His transition reunited him with family, friends and pets that predeceased him.
His family is hosting a Celebration of Life on May 31, 2026, at the Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, from 3-6 p.m. Please send photos, memories or questions to RememberElstun@gmail.com.
