Peter Goeldner
Feb 18, 1937 -
Jul 6, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Peter Douglas "Pete" Goeldner on July 6, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska. Born on Feb. 18, 1937, in Ladysmith, Wis., Pete was a devoted educator, tax consultant and family man. His family finds comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the lessons he's taught us, the love he shared and the countless memories we will cherish forever. Pete was, and will always be, the leader of our pack!
Pete grew up as a Depression baby on a dairy farm in Glen Flora, Wis. He attended rural schools through eighth grade. In 1954, he graduated from Glen Flora High School, and then attended Taylor County Teacher's College in Medford, Wis. Upon graduation he married his beautiful bride, Joan Fristad. Their love and life of adventure began! They moved to Poplar, Mont., to teach on Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Their three daughters, Debbie, Terry and Jan, were born there. While teaching in Montana, Pete earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Montana, Missoula. Pete and Joan then moved their family to Myrtle Creek, Ore., and Pete continued to teach. In 1964, Oregon had major flooding and their home had 3 feet of water from the Umqua River, so it was time to move on to another adventure. So, off to Alaska they went, traveling up the Alcan Highway with Goeldner/Hughes caravan. It was a long, rugged trip which took two weeks, arriving in August 1965. After getting settled in Alaska, Pete became a commercial salmon fisherman on a set-net site near Kenai and later in Bristol Bay.
Pete began his Alaska teaching career in 1965. A few years later, in 1969, Pete took a year sabbatical and moved his family to complete his master's degree at Michigan State University. After returning to Alaska, Pete continued educating the minds of thousands of young people in both middle and high school before retiring with 28 years as an educator. He didn't stay retired for long before he put his passion for numbers into full swing as a tax consultant for 37 years until his passing. Over 400 families have relied on Pete's expertise, which is a tremendous loss for his clients who have become friends.
When he retired from commercial fishing, Joan and Pete purchased property in Halibut Cove, where they spent over 30 summers. In Halibut Cove he spent much time hosting family and friends, taking many out fishing and sharing the Alaska experience he so loved. Pete's other favorite place was Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, where he owned property and served on the board of directors for many years. Pete loved having his family join them in Kauai for family visits.
Aside from his professional life, Pete was an avid stamp and coin collector. He loved following the stock market daily. Pete loved watching basketball and football no matter who was playing, however, he was a true Packers fan. He enjoyed endless games of cards with friends and family, but will always be remembered as the TIC king! Pete was an expert bowler and played in many leagues throughout his life.
Pete is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan Goeldner; daughters, Debbie McBride (Curt), Terry Ure (Bill) and Jan Brandt (David); grandchildren, Brandon McBride (Trina), Kelsey Thompson (Adam), Nicole Manasco (Jake), Katelyn Fitzgerald (Michael), Evan Brandt (Natashia) and Mitchell Brandt; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Pat Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Corrine Goeldner.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug. 1, 2024, at 4 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 12310 Lorraine Street in Anchorage. The Cremation Society of Alaska is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, Trinity Presbyterian Church or Jewel Lake Parish, where Pete worshiped for over 50 years reflecting his deep faith and commitment to service.
