Joan Fuglestad

Nov 20, 1933 -

Jul 18, 2020

Joan passed away unexpectedly as she wanted, at her home that she and her husband, Cliff, built together. Born and raised in a small town in Albany, Minn., to John and Lila Wellenstein, Joan looked for adventure. In 1951, at the young age of 18, her brother Wally met her and her parents in Montana and drove up the Alcan Highway. She never looked back, embracing the Alaska lifestyle. She met her future husband, Cliff, in 1954, who had an airplane and a desire for high adventure. They honeymooned in November at a remote cabin where she first confessed to Cliff she didn't know how to cook. They settled on a game of cribbage, Joan lost and she started the first of many meals. They traveled the state together in their plane and met many new friends along the way. Joan spoke of teaching Don Sheldon and many others the bunny hop during a stop in Talkeetna.

Once family started the plane was sold. A new adventure began in Kachemak Bay in 1972, with six kids building a family cabin in Halibut Cove, where she spent every summer for more than 40 years. She spent many hours transporting her kids to all their activities. Her life revolved around her family. She was also a member of numerous clubs, Anchorage Ski Club and with her many friends in a potluck club. Joan loved and lived the Alaska adventure to the fullest.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff in February 2011; and brothers, Melvin and Wally. She is survived by sons and daughters, Eric, Jon, Glen, Jeff, Karen and Lisa; sister, Grace; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews throughout the country.

A greatly loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend will be missed by all that knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at the family cabin this next summer.