Burton Wayne Boyce

Oct 8, 1967 -

Aug 22, 2025

Burton Wayne Boyce, 57, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Oct. 8, 1967, to Andrea Eastman Lohman and Jerry Edwin Tobey, Burton spent his childhood in Anchorage before moving to Wasilla, Alaska, in 1985. He graduated from Wasilla High School in 1988. Soon after, he moved into Full Circle, a group home in Meadow Lakes, where he formed lifelong friendships and found his faith in Jesus Christ.

Over the years, Burton worked in several places, but his favorite job was as a bagger at Carrs in Wasilla. He took pride in carefully bagging groceries and helping customers, paving the way for future young adults with disabilities to be employed in roles beyond fast food—a contribution he was proud of.

Burton loved entertainment. He enjoyed WWF wrestling, classic musicals such as Grease and Dirty Dancing, and iconic franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars. His favorite TV character was "The Fonz" from Happy Days.

A natural athlete, Burton competed in the first-ever televised International Special Olympics in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1987. He also bowled in leagues, loved Jazzercise, weightlifting and swimming, attended two Seahawks games in Seattle, and even participated in the Mr. Alaska Bodybuilding Competition.

Burton is survived by his sisters, Patty Boyce and Kerry Tobey Ellis (Richard Ellis); nephew, Devyn Rowe (Racin Rowe); great-niece and nephew, Juniper and Maddox Rowe; nieces, Andrea Seidl (Josh Seidl) and Alyssa Warner; and great-nephews, Kaysen and Atlas Warner. He also leaves behind countless peers, friends and mentors in the special needs community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Edwin Tobey and Andrea Eastman Lohman.

Burton will be remembered for his humor, big personality, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. He had a signature flair for style—often wearing suit jackets and ties, showing off his tattoos and sometimes topping it off with a fedora. Proudly calling himself "a tough old man," he often reminded others with heartfelt sincerity, "I'll pray for you."

Funeral Service will be held on Sept. 15, 2025, at Legacy Funeral Home, Wasilla Heritage Chapel, 1015 S. Check Street in Wasilla, with Visitation at 11:30 a.m., and service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Oct. 11, 2025, at Jalapenos in Eagle River, Alaska. For updates, please visit Burton's In Loving Memory of Burton Wayne Boyce Facebook page.

Brenda Carlson

Feb 25, 1955 -

Aug 12, 2025

Brenda Carlson, age 70, passed away on Aug. 12, 2025, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, after battling the progression of COPD over the last eight-plus years.

She was born in Prairie Grove, Ark., to Wayne and Betty Smith on Feb. 25, 1955. After graduating from high school early, she headed to Seattle, Wash., and lived with relatives while exploring job opportunities. In the mid-70s, she drove to Alaska with first husband, Terry Sullivan. He built homes; she got her real estate license and sold them.

Brenda married Steve Carlson in 1983. She was an appraiser for the Municipality of Anchorage Assessor for 13 years and in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement section of Alaska Department of Transportation for another five.

In retirement, she earned an Advance Master Gardner certificate, building on farm-life skills that could power her family through the apocalypse. Brenda maintained a park-like yard and her greenhouse sanctuary. She loved winter trips to sunny places and for the last 13 years of her life, settled into the cycles of snowbird life with a second home in Arizona.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; older brother, Darrell; and numerous dogs. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Steve Carlson; stepchildren, Brandon (Kaiya) and Tricia (Brian); six grandchildren; brother and buddy, Tommy Smith (Deb); and extended families in Anchorage and Northwest Arkansas. She believed all will be reunited. No services are planned at this time.

Louis Paul "Jiggs" Gigliotti

Dec 10, 1920 -

Jun 10, 2025

Louis "Jiggs" Paul Gigliotti, 104, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by family who loved and cared for him deeply. Born on Dec. 10, 1920, in Bridgeport, Conn., Jiggs lived a remarkable life filled with service, adventure and devotion to those around him.

As a young man, Jiggs joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he built a strong work ethic and a commitment to community. During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Army as a surgical technician, caring for soldiers with skill and compassion.

After the war, he worked a variety of jobs before discovering his calling as a bartender with the Bartenders Union. In 1955, he made the bold decision to move north to Alaska to fish and run sled dogs. There, he became part of the mushing community, running teams with his close friend Andy Jimmie and working alongside Joe Redington Sr., remaining lifelong friends with the Redington family.

Over the years, Jiggs opened a few bars in Fairbanks, Alaska, and later settled in Anchorage with his wife, Mildred "Millie" Charlie. He worked at the 515 Bar until retirement, when he opened "Jiggs Garage" a boxing gym, coaching young fighters including Brian "The Rock" Ryan and Tony Ridges.

Jiggs is preceded in death by his wife, Millie; brothers, Dominick and Edward; sister, Maria; and other loved ones. He is survived by Sean and Melanie Carey; sisters, Clare Charlie, Wanda Charlie, Bonnie Charlie, Jeri Knabe and Mary King; brothers, Andy Jimmie, Donald Charlie, Brian Charlie and Marty King; nieces, Hayley Harrison, Crystal Jade, Devyn King and Sharli Escalante; nephews, Cory Knabe, Brandon Knabe, Dustin Harrison, Tyler King and Gerry Gigliotti; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Anchorage on Sept. 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Alaska Native Lutheran Church.

Julius Harris

Jan 20, 1948 -

Aug 12, 2025

Julius "Butch" Frank Harris was born on Jan. 20, 1948, to the late Arthur and Willie Mae (Whitehead) Harris. He was the second of two children born to their union. Butch was always full of life. He possessed a charismatic personality, and an unmatched sense of humor.

Butch attended Roosevelt Elementary School and graduated from Wenonah High School in 1966. He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Roosevelt City, Ala. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army. He re-enlisted several times over the years. During his tenure, he traveled to Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam. His final re-enlistment took him to Anchorage, Alaska, a city he made his home. He moved through the ranks to staff sergeant in the Army. While in the military in Anchorage, he served as motor pool sergeant until his military retirement. After retiring, he worked as a security guard in the federal prison, the trans-Alaska pipeline and the United States Postal Service. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2011. He remained in Anchorage, enjoying the fruits of his labor until his untimely passing on Aug. 12, 2025.

His loving memory will be forever cherished by his sister, Jean (Robert) Banks of Bessemer, Ala.; nephew, Robert E. Banks Jr. of Gardendale, Ala.; niece, Leslie "Pooh" (Levy) Walker of Alabaster, Ala.; great-niece, Chryslan Walker of Alabaster; great-nephew, Trey Walker of Alabaster; loving companion, Patricia E. Evers of Anchorage; loving pet dog, Bubba; and a host of family and friends.

He will be laid to rest with a 21-gun salute at Montevallo National Cemetery in Montevallo, Ala. And thank you for your service.

Brenn Michen Jones

Jan 31, 1992 -

Aug 20, 2025

With broken hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Brenn Michen Jones, who left this world far too soon on Aug. 20, 2025, at the age of 33.

Born in 1992, Brenn was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter, sister and friend. She leaves behind her husband, Ryan Jones, and her four beautiful children: Halen, Melanie, Lincoln and Ella. Though Ella preceded her in death, Brenn carried her daughter's memory in her heart every day, and their spirits are now reunited in eternal peace.

She is also survived by her parents, Katherine and Steven Henslee; siblings, Luke, Paige, Conner and Brycen; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Professionally, Brenn was a passionate and gifted hairdresser who truly loved her work. She had a remarkable talent for making people feel not just beautiful on the outside, but truly seen and cared for. Her coworkers often became lifelong friends, drawn to her warm spirit and genuine kindness.

Beyond her career, Brenn was an artist at heart. She especially loved painting with watercolors, expressing her creativity through soft and meaningful pieces. Her favorites were beautiful flowers and birds.

A service to celebrate Brenn's life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at 5 p.m., at Unite Church. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and honor her.

Kent William King

Sep 24, 1960 -

Jun 19, 2025

Kent King, 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Holiday, Fla., on June 19, 2025. Born and raised in the Butte stomping grounds of Palmer, Alaska, on Sept. 24, 1960, Kent was the son of the late John and Lucille King. He proudly dedicated over 30 years to his career as a lineman and heavy equipment operator with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), retiring with honor and grit. Kent was formerly married to Anne Purroy, with whom he shared three children: Joshua King, Brittany Mach and Mikayla King. He was a proud and loving Papa to Jaycie, Elliana and Kyleigh through Joshua and his wife Mary Ellen, and to Drake and Ariana through Brittany and her husband Michael Mach. Those who knew Kent will remember his unmatched sense of humor, booming contagious laugh, unshakable toughness and ability to laugh in the face of fear. He was a hero in the eyes of his family—a steadfast father and the best "Papa" his grandchildren could have asked for. He loved deeply and expressed with pride just how much his children and grandchildren meant to him to anyone he met. In 2022, Kent embraced retirement by moving to Holiday, where he found joy in the sunshine, ocean breeze and coastal life he loved so much. Kent is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as his six sisters: Sandy, Susan (Terry), Evelyn (Greg), Ellen (John), Kathy (Rick) and Laura (Tom). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille King; and nephew, Rodney King.

A potluck memorial service will be held in Alaska on Sept. 13, 2025, at Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N. Berry Resort Drive in Wasilla, Alaska, at 2 p.m. Kent's legacy of laughter, loyalty and love will live on in every story shared and every memory held close by those who loved him most.

Stephen Andrew Norrell

Aug 20, 1937 -

Aug 22, 2025

Stephen "Steve" Andrew Norrell, age 88, died on Aug. 22, 2025, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Steve was born to Stephen and Loretta Norrell in Yonkers, N.Y. His childhood was spent in the New York City and Westchester County areas of New York state. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Manhattan College in NYC, a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Detroit and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After completing a year-long fellowship at the U.S. Army Biological Laboratories in Frederick, Md., in 1966, he joined the faculty at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. In 1970, Steve joined the faculty of the University of Alaska, now University of Alaska Fairbanks. In 1974, he relocated to Anchorage to establish the science program at the Senior College, now University of Alaska Anchorage, where he held several academic and administrative positions before retiring in 1995.

In 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Barnes. They have three children: Karen, Kelley and Joe. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family in the great Alaska outdoors. His children fondly remember camping and fishing trips anywhere from Fairbanks to Homer, literally! In retirement, Steve enjoyed fly fishing using his own custom-tied flies and handmade fishing rods, target shooting with custom-made rifles and hand-reloaded ammunition, and woodworking. He made furniture, curio boxes and toys for his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister, Katherine Norrell Marron of Barrington, Ill.; daughters, Karen Grames (Bill) of Houston, Texas, and Kelley Norrell (Leonard Jolly) of East Wenatchee, Wash.; son, Joseph Norrell (Stephanie) of Vienna, Va.; grandchildren, Stephen Dodge (Jane Au) of Wenatchee, William Dodge of Portland, Ore., Aiden Grames and Josie Grames of Houston, and Nicholas Norrell of Vienna; and great-granddaughter, Sadia of Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents and five aunts and uncles.

According to his wishes, the family is planning a private gathering to celebrate Steve's life by visiting some of his favorite places: the Gulkana River, Talkeetna, Summit Lake and the Russian River. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Stephen Andrew Norrell

Aug 20, 1937 -

Aug 22, 2025

Stephen "Steve" Andrew Norrell, age 88, died on Aug. 22, 2025, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Steve was born to Stephen and Loretta Norrell in Yonkers, N.Y. His childhood was spent in the New York City and Westchester County areas of New York state. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Manhattan College in NYC, a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Detroit and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After completing a year-long fellowship at the U.S. Army Biological Laboratories in Frederick, Md., in 1966, he joined the faculty at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. In 1970, Steve joined the faculty of the University of Alaska, now University of Alaska Fairbanks. In 1974, he relocated to Anchorage to establish the science program at the Senior College, now University of Alaska Anchorage, where he held several academic and administrative positions before retiring in 1995.

In 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Barnes. They have three children: Karen, Kelley and Joe. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family in the great Alaska outdoors. His children fondly remember camping and fishing trips anywhere from Fairbanks to Homer, literally! In retirement, Steve enjoyed fly fishing using his own custom-tied flies and handmade fishing rods, target shooting with custom-made rifles and hand-reloaded ammunition, and woodworking. He made furniture, curio boxes and toys for his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister, Katherine Norrell Marron of Barrington, Ill.; daughters, Karen Grames (Bill) of Houston, Texas, and Kelley Norrell (Leonard Jolly) of East Wenatchee, Wash.; son, Joseph Norrell (Stephanie) of Vienna, Va.; grandchildren, Stephen Dodge (Jane Au) of Wenatchee, William Dodge of Portland, Ore., Aiden Grames and Josie Grames of Houston, and Nicholas Norrell of Vienna; and great-granddaughter, Sadia of Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents and five aunts and uncles.

According to his wishes, the family is planning a private gathering to celebrate Steve's life by visiting some of his favorite places: the Gulkana River, Talkeetna, Summit Lake and the Russian River. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

David Nowak

Jan 15, 1943 -

Aug 30, 2025

David "Dave" Nowak, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. Dave was born on Jan. 15, 1943, in Ypsilanti, Mich., to Joseph and Irene (Wisniewski) Nowak. Dave had a bachelor's in music education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science in music education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He married Sharon in 1973, and they began their marriage by moving to Anchorage, Alaska, where Dave was stationed. Dave served in the Air Force from 1966 until 1976, and was principal baritone of the 505th Air Force band at Chanute Air Force Base, Ill.

In 1976, he and Sharon decided to make Anchorage their home. After Dave got out of the Air Force, he worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years and retired in 2001. Dave loved his garden and was known for his gardening skills. Many neighbors would stop by to admire it. He grew the best potatoes, radishes, zucchini and carrots in town. He also loved music and was an accomplished musician. He played many instruments, including trumpet, baritone and the button box accordion. He also taught private trumpet students. Dave remained active in the music community, playing in musical groups including the Anchorage Symphony, Anchorage Community Concert Band, the German Band, the Front Row Seats Band and Tuba Christmas.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, whom he missed tremendously over these last four years. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas and Donald; and sister, Mary Ann. Dave is survived by his daughters, Sharida and Rebecca; granddaughters, Lainey and Kelsey; brother, Jerry Nowak; sister, Veronica Nowak; granddogs, Chloe and LuLu; along with many nieces and nephews; and many friends who he called family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Providence at Home with Compassus via Compassus Living Foundation, https://www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations/.

The family will have a joint celebration of life for both Sharon and Dave at a later date with details to come.

Beverly Walters

Sep 28, 1943 -

Aug 28, 2025

Beverly Ann "Bev" Walters passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28, 1943, to Robert and Dorothy Edlund, Bev moved with her family to Homer, Alaska, in the late 1940s. She graduated from Homer High School in 1961, where she was known for her kind spirit and the way she made everyone feel welcome; serving as a class Vice President, Secretary and member of the Future Homemakers of America.

Bev's early years working in her mother's restaurant, the Sterling Cafe, sparked a lifelong love of cooking. For her, food was never just a meal—it was love expressed through every dish. Her meals were a gift of herself, made with generosity and care, leaving friends and family nourished in both body and spirit.

On Oct. 2, 1964, Bev married the love of her life, John "Bud" Walters. Together they shared 55 years of marriage filled with laughter, partnership and devotion. For 25 of those years, they owned and operated Bud's Aircraft at Merrill Field, where they built not only a successful business but also a circle of lasting friendships within the aviation community.

Bev's life was marked by service, faith and hospitality. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who gave freely of her time and talents. She was an active member of Turnagain United Methodist Church, served with Lions Club International Air-Crossroads and, for over 30 years, she and Bud welcomed Anchorage Bucs baseball players into their home for the summer, treating them like family. Her love for people, rooted in faith and lived out through service, will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, John "Bud" Walters; and sister, Lani Edlund. She is survived by her sister, Carole Tipton; sons, John (Kimberly) Walters Jr. and Rick Walters; grandson, Ryan (Rachel) Walters and their children Landon, Ashlyn and Benjamin; stepdaughters, Marcy, Misty and Marla; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Netta Walters; and chosen family, Pat Stopher.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith in God, her dedication to family, her generosity and her unmatched hospitality. Her home, and especially her kitchen, was a place of gathering and giving — a reflection of a legacy that continues in those she cherished.