John "Kip" Coleman

Dec 23, 1945 -

Jul 16, 2020

John "Kip" Coleman, 74, died at his home on July 16, 2020, with his loved ones at his side. John was born on Dec. 23, 1945, to Lee and Mae Coleman of Elbow Lake, Minn. He was graduated from Elbow Lake High School, class of 1964, and attended the University of Minnesota, Morris and Moorhead State College.

John was an avid and skilled pilot. He soloed on December 27, four days after his 16th birthday - his mom would not let him solo until after Christmas. He earned his commercial pilot license when he was 18, one of the youngest Minnesotans to do so. He owned and operated Coleman Aerial Service in Minnesota until moving to Alaska, where he continued using his aviation skills.

John and Kathryn (nee Myron) were married June 22, 1969, and moved to Alaska in 1980. John was a member of the American Legion, the Masons and the Shriners, and a former member of the Elks and the Eagles.

John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Coleman and Jody Bratsch of Wasilla, Alaska; his former spouse, Kathryn Coleman (Mahoney); bonus grandchildren, Jessica and Jeremiah and their families; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Gary.

Special thanks to the nurses and CNAs of Ancora Hospice and to Dad's neighbor George Sampleton.

A graveside service will be held at the Pioneer Cemetery in Palmer, Alaska, on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 11 a.m. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. No celebration of life is planned due to COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast Dad or donate to your favorite charity, or both.