Kenneth Barber

Apr 21, 1945 -

Jan 8, 2026

Kenneth N. Barber passed away at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mardy Barber; brother, Harold; two children, Brian and Margaret (Kevin); and grandchildren, Maggie and Grady. Ken also leaves behind a large extended family, including many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law.

Ken was born to Harold and Voncile Barber in Texas. Growing up with such a diverse landscape fostered Ken's love of the outdoors. He spent his youth hunting and fishing with his family. When he wasn't outside, he was helping his father work on trucks and other equipment. It became clear early on that Ken possessed a natural aptitude for mechanics and engineering.

After graduating from high school, Ken worked for a local refinery until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to an engineering unit and sent to Vietnam. Ken faced the harsh realities of conflict - including two close calls that forever shaped his perspective on life.

In 1976, Ken sought a fresh start and moved his young family to Chugiak, Alaska. He arrived at the dawn of a historic era, beginning a lengthy career in the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Ken was part of the team that sent the very first batch of oil through the trans-Alaska pipeline. He dedicated decades to the industry beginning his career with ARCO and eventually retiring from BP in the late 1990s.

Ken spent his free time hunting and fishing all over Alaska. He loved every outdoor adventure, whether he was skiing down Alyeska or cruising the Little Su in his boat. He was always on the move, happiest with the wind in his face whether he was riding his motorcycle, his ATV or his snowmachine. Ken also loved traveling, especially to his favorite casinos in Las Vegas, Nev.

Ken was a man of extraordinary intellect and "old-school" capability. He didn't just live in a house, he built his final home with his own hands alongside his son, contracting out only the foundation and septic. In his shop, Ken was a master mechanic. From rebuilding a '56 Ford to fabricating his own custom tools and replacement parts, there was no motorized vehicle Ken couldn't master.

Ken will be deeply missed, but his legacy of hard work, grit and ingenuity lives on in every life he touched and every engine he brought back to life.

Services for Kenneth will be held at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at 1 p.m., on May 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow at his daughter's house in Eagle River.

Beverly Barry

Aug 14, 1934 -

Apr 24, 2026

Longtime Valley resident Beverly Ann Barry passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 91. She had always said she wanted to leave this world at an even-numbered age, but true to her nature, she adjusted her plans with grace and set off on her next adventure. Beverly was born on Aug. 14, 1934, in Akron, Ohio, to Josephine and James C. Bazzell. She was raised in a family of eight during challenging times, where money was scarce but love and determination were abundant. From an early age, Bev believed deeply in the power of education. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1952, earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University—Go Buckeyes!—and completed her master's in education at Kent State University by 1958. Teaching was Beverly's lifelong calling. As a young girl, she set up a "teacher desk" in her family's basement, running an imaginary classroom while her father worked nearby. Her many students over the years were fortunate to have her. She loved "her kids" and taught in San Diego, Calif.; Akron, Ohio; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; and later at Pioneer Peak Elementary in the Mat-Su Valley. Teaching was her dream, and she cherished every moment of being part of such a meaningful profession. Beverly met her husband, Paul Barry, at a Catholic singles gathering in Anchorage. They married in 1962, and she moved to the Valley, joining his large Colonist family on their farm. She chose to stay home while raising their four children, devoting herself fully to her family. During that time, she also supported the family business, Barry's Resort, taking on roles as bookkeeper, waitress, custodian and "chief communication specialist." Many summers were also spent supporting her husband's mining pursuits in the Wrangell Mountains, where she and the children lived in tents and campers in the Alaska wilderness. Beverly was strong, courageous and deeply faithful. Her laughter reminded everyone around her to live in the moment and not take life too seriously. Bev was an enthusiastic supporter of her children's activities, and her voice could often be heard echoing through gymnasiums and skating rinks as their proudest—and loudest—cheerleader. She loved singing in the church choir, visiting with friends, laughing often and, most of all, talking on the phone. Her family fondly remembers hearing their father say, "Beverly, get off the phone—you're going to wear your ear off." She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Paul Barry Sr.; son, Paul Anthony; brother, Bob Bazzell; sister, Doris Haberak (Dan Gillooly); and brother-in-law, Anthony Monachino. Beverly is survived by her four children and their spouses: Michelle Barry, Deanna (David) Arthur, Paul (Carolyn) Barry and JoAnn (Joseph) Hinds. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kyle and Dominique Hinds, Luke Arthur, Ryland, Kaelyn and Johanna Barry, Ryan (Renee) Doyle; and great-grandchildren, Keegan and Darian Doyle. Bev is also survived by her sister, Patricia Monachino; brothers, Jim (Bonnie) Bazzell and Jerry Bazzell; and many nephews, nieces and friends. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff at Primrose Retirement Community of Wasilla for their care and kindness over the last few years. Their professionalism and sincerity meant so much to Bev and her family. Beverly's memorial mass will be held May 15, 2026, at 12:10 p.m., at St. Michael's Parish, 432 East Fireweed Avenue, Palmer, AK 99654. Family will attend a short inurnment as the ashes are placed in a columbarium at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Everyone is welcome at the service and/or the reception. The reception is being held immediately after the memorial service at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N Barry's Resort Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654. A late lunch will be catered, so just bring your love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Palmer Food Bank in Beverly's name, P.O. Box 2421, Palmer, AK 99645.

Paul Stephen Bates

Nov 23, 1946 -

Mar 7, 2026

Paul Bates, 79, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born to Anna and Glenn Bates on Nov. 23, 1946, in Spokane, Wash.

He married Leigh Bates in 1975 in Colorado Springs, Colo. He served in the Army and Army National Guard 1968-1994, and was a program manager for the Department of Defense 1994-2012. Paul was a decorated Vietnam veteran, he received a Bronze Star award, Vietnam service medal and Army commendation medal.

He was one of the founders of Mustang Hockey, State Hockey past president, Fur Rondy past president, board member of the 5th Line, Seawolf Hockey Blue Liners and Engine 557. He enjoyed working on model railroads and watching hockey.

He is survived by his wife, Leigh Bates; sons, Thomas Bates and Doug Bates; daughter-in-law, Dawn Bates; and grandsons, Keagan Bates and Alex Quick. Paul will be buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

A service will be held for Paul on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m., at Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home, 16421 Brooks Loop in Eagle River, Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to UAA Hockey Legacy, Seawolf Hockey Blue Liners, 5th line or Engine 557.

Ross Nyman Brudenell

Apr 8, 1942 -

Apr 22, 2026

Ross Nyman Brudenell was a man of passions and contradictions who lived across the boundaries of time. A romantic who often lost himself in a home project or a distraction, Ross wrote daily in leather journals, devoured history books and classic literature, and collected 17th and 18th century Americana and houses. But he also embraced modernity and technology: Ross was a pilot, a gadget guy and an orthopedic surgeon. He was so soft-spoken that we were compelled to lean in to hear him; and yet, he loved to tell stories and talk to folks from all walks of life.

Ross was born on April 8, 1942, in Knoxville, Tenn., and grew up with his two younger brothers in Chattanooga. He stayed in Tennessee for undergraduate and medical school. During the Vietnam War, the young doctor was offered a position in Alaska with the U.S. Public Health Service working with native communities in Sitka, where he fell in love with the state.

After returning to the south to do his orthopedic surgical residency in North Carolina, Ross relocated for a while to Longmont, Colo., with his young family. But years later, Alaska beckoned again and he moved to Anchorage, where he joined an orthopedic practice. He spent much of his adult life living in a First Period Plymouth Colony house he moved in pieces from Massachusetts to Campbell Lake in Anchorage, a house he adored and furnished with period antiques. It is the oldest house in Alaska.

Ross would later get his pilot's license and install a lift for his Cessna 185 float plane in his backyard. Sometimes with family and friends, sometimes alone, Ross embarked on countless adventures to fish, hunt and explore in the Alaska wild to places like Katmai, King Salmon, and Eagle. He would fly the plane to remote locales to pick blueberries, and fish for salmon on the Kenai River where he once had a log cabin in Sterling, on Funny River Road.

When Ross was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018, he and his wife, Jackie, moved to Green Bay, Wis., to be closer to family. Ross passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Robinson; children, Lisa, Ayn Altman (Mark Santora), Lalla Robinson, Katie Dubois (Brent), Steve (Victoria Fanslow) and Jordan; and grandchildren, Silvarina and Josefina, Adler and Audrey, and Benjamin and Brooks. His is also survived by his brothers, Tom (Lynn Sibley) and Bill (Ingrid), and his nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

A memorial service will be held on June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Wequiock Presbyterian Church, 4014 Wequiock Road in Green Bay. A full obituary and online condolences can be found at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com.

Margaret Ellen Davidson

Aug 16, 1950 -

Apr 3, 2026

Margaret Ellen Davidson, 75, a lifelong Alaskan with an adventurous spirit, passed away on April 3, 2026, at her residence in Anchorage, Alaska.

She was born on Aug. 16, 1950, to Margaret Ruth Davidson and Harry Arnold Davidson. Margaret spent her early years exploring Alaska's rural communities alongside her parents and three younger brothers, developing a deep and lasting connection to the land. During her high school years, her family relocated to Austin, Texas, but Alaska always remained her true home. After graduating high school in 1968, she returned north, drawn by the place she loved most. She proudly obtained her bachelor's degree from Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska.

Margaret lived a life defined by curiosity and adventure. She traveled extensively, living in places such as Mexico and Africa, where she formed lasting friendships and gathered the many stories she so loved to share. No matter where her journeys took her, she returned to Alaska's waters in the summers to commercial fish in Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, continuing a family tradition. Her vibrant storytelling, warmth and fearless spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is preceded in passing by her mother and father, Margaret Ruth Davidson and Harry Arnold Davidson; and youngest brother, John Patrick Davidson. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Gaffney; brothers, Harry and Tom Davidson; nieces, Rachel Pelath and Michelle Forrestor; and nephews, Mark, Matthew, Jared, John and Joel Davidson.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road in Anchorage.

Curtis Green Jr.

Oct 4, 1937 -

May 2, 2026

Curtis Glen Green Jr. passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in Soldotna, Alaska, surrounded by his loving family.

Curtis was born in Lovington, N.M., to Curtis Glen Green Sr. and Esther Marie (Schuster) Green. An only child, he was raised in New Mexico and Texas and graduated from Espanola High School in 1955.

At just 17 years old, Curtis set out on what would become the defining adventure of his life. Immediately after graduation, he and his parents drove the Alaska Highway to begin a new chapter in the Last Frontier. What began as a tentative move to what was still a territory - "if we didn't find work, we'd call it a vacation," he later recalled - quickly became permanent. From his earliest days in Alaska, including working the Russian River ferry, Curtis embraced the spirit of the state that would shape the rest of his life.

Curtis attended Texas Tech University, earning a degree in civil engineering in 1960. He began his career with Texas Pipeline Company in Houston, Texas, and Lafayette, La. Later, he would obtain a master's degree in arctic engineering from the University of Alaska.

On April 1, 1961, he married the love of his life, Lyda Nell Handley, in Mexico City. Not long after they married, Curtis told Lyda he missed Alaska. In 1962, they returned north, where he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The couple lived in Spenard when the 1964 Good Friday earthquake struck. It was an event they would never forget.

Their family grew with the birth of their son, Brad, in Anchorage in 1965. Curtis later worked for Bechtel, moving the family to California and then to Africa, where their daughter, Kristie, was born in Zambia in 1967. After returning to Alaska in 1968, Curtis worked as a hydrologist with the U.S. Weather Bureau, now the U.S. Weather Service, traveling extensively across the state.

From 1962 to 1984, Curtis was deeply involved in Anchorage civic life. He was active in the Mt. McKinley Lions Club, the Miners and Trappers Ball, Central Lutheran Church and later First Baptist Church. He volunteered with the ski patrol at Arctic Valley and Alyeska. Curtis co-founded the Alaska Youth Tennis Foundation and was a co-owner of the Anchorage Racquet Club. In true Alaskan style, he obtained his private pilot's license, enjoying seeing Alaska's remotest parts, winning awards at the Valdez fly-in, and flying cross-country to Wisconsin for the Oshkosh air show.

In 1970, Curtis began what he would later describe as the "best job" of his life: a long career with State Farm. Over 46 years, he served as an agent, agency manager for the state of Alaska and later returned to personal agency work before retiring in 2016. In 1976, Curtis and Lyda welcomed their third child, Shelton.

In 1984, Curtis and Lyda moved to Wasilla, Alaska, where they became pillars of the growing community. He served as president of the Mat-Su Amateur Hockey Association, was active in Rotary, and taught and led at First Baptist Churches in Wasilla and Willow. Twice, he completed the Iron Dog Race, the world's longest and toughest snowmobile race, and served as the organization's president.

In 1994, Curtis also became Lyda's strongest supporter and closest confidante during her 14 years in the Alaska State Senate.

After retirement, the couple returned to Texas in 2016. Reconnecting with family and roots, Curtis also found joy in painting with his atelier group at the Hill Country Arts Foundation and worshipping with Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville. Alaska called them home once again, as Curtis and Lyda returned to Alaska in 2023. After Lyda's passing in December 2023, Curtis spent his remaining years in Soldotna surrounded by family.

Curtis will be remembered for his steady presence, his quiet strength and his unwavering kindness. He was known for never complaining, for always having a twinkle in his eye and for offering a joke, a pun or a warm word to those around him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a natural leader, mentor and friend.

He and Lyda were known for their generous hospitality, opening their home to friends, family and community. Their annual lakeside gatherings became cherished traditions, where Curtis could be found at the grill, launching the potato gun, or taking children on golf cart rides and out on the water. His children remember early mornings with a warmed-up car ready for practice and his grandchildren remember snow machine rides and Saturday morning sourdough pancakes.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Lyda.

He is survived by son, Brad (Dianne) Green of Jackson, Tenn.; daughter, Kristie (Tuckerman) Babcock of Soldotna; and son, Shelton (Heather) Green of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelsie (Joshua) Edgren, Cori, Noah (Treava), Jiabao and Meijan Leaf, Caleb, Daniel (Serena) and Victoria Green, and Everly, Sutton and Anderson Green; stepgrandchildren, Ali-K (Ben) Packa, Teddy (Alyssa) Babcock and Balin (Jackie) Babcock; and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

A service will be held on May 24, 2026, at 2 p.m., at College Heights Baptist Church in Soldotna, with a reception to follow at the Babcock home, 36815 Hakala Drive, Soldotna, AK 99669. Cards may be sent to the same address.

Curtis lived a full and adventurous life, marked by faith, family and a deep love for Alaska. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

Carol-Gay Hile

Nov 11, 1942 -

Apr 24, 2026

Carol-Gay (Williams) Hile, 83, passed away on April 24, 2026. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at Horizon House in Anchorage, Alaska.

Gay was born on Nov. 11, 1942, in Sweet Home, and later moved to Coquille, Ore., for high school. In 1961, she moved to Anchorage to stay with her aunt Ginger. A year later she met Richard "Butch" Hile, and they were married in June. Gay and Butch were married for 41 very happy years, during which they had three daughters: Stacey, Shannon and Melissa. For over 20 years, Gay worked as the Cafeteria Manager for the Anchorage School District, which she later retired from.

For many years, Gay and Butch had a home in Mesa, Ariz., where they were regular snowbirds. After Butch's death in 2003, she continued to visit Mesa for a few months a year until her own health declined. Gay was a dedicated member of the Catholic church. She and Butch were also active members of the Elks Club and were frequent golfers in both Alaska and Arizona. When their daughters were younger, she participated in multiple bowling leagues and helped coach junior bowling for many years.

Gay was a loving mother and grandmother who oriented herself around family. She loved to cook with her family and brought so much positivity and happiness to every room she was in.

In 2015, she moved to Horizon House, where she spent her final years.

Her family wrote: "Our mom and grandmother was a wide-eyed optimist in her own words. She loved her family and friends and appreciated people especially the caring staff at Horizon House. She was happy and almost always smiling, even though the progression of her dementia, she maintained her happy disposition."

Gay was preceded in death by her husband, Butch; granddaughter, Corey; parents, Mel and JJ Williams; parents-in-law, Valerie and Ross Lowder; and her sister-in-law, Jan Williams. She is survived by her daughters, Stacey (Fred) Koenig, Shannon (Mark) Moorhead and Melissa Hile; granddaughters, Cheree (Britany) Rainey, Elizabeth (Reuben) Seidl, Samantha (Andrew) Budig and Valerie (Dakota) Zabawa; great-grandson, Caleb Seidl; brother, Larry Williams; and nephews on both sides of the family.

A celebration of Gay's life will be held at a later date in 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that charitable donation be made the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.

Ralph James Hulbert

Nov 18, 1948 -

Mar 29, 2026

Ralph's first adventure as an infant was a plane ride from his grandparents' home in Seattle to the Lost Chicken Hill Gold Mine. He was the second of four kids born to mining engineer Jim Hulbert and teacher Frances Byrne. In 1952, the Hulberts left Chicken and returned to where Jim and Fran first met: Palmer, Ralph's hometown forever after.

Ralph spent his youth active in clubs with his siblings, dodging moose in North Palmer, rambling around the Butte, prospecting with his dad, camping and traveling with Joe Lentz's troop of Explorer Scouts and – once! – running up Pioneer Peak and sliding straight back down the north face. His teachers skipped him ahead a grade to keep him busy, and he graduated from Palmer High in 1966.

After a degree in chemistry from Oregon State in 1970, Ralph joined the Peace Corps and taught science in Kenya. He survived malaria, dysentery, swimming with crocodiles and driving a tiny Morris that broke down among lions. He peregrinated through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and southeast Asia, making friends and seeking wisdom from elders. When a temple-sweeper in India asked, "Young man – why would you leave the religion of your father?" Ralph turned his quest homeward.

Ralph worked for MTA, then for AREA Real Estate where he met his wife Helen. He did energy research, worked cleanup on the Exxon spill, got his environmental engineer license in Alaska and worked for local firms before starting his own company, AlaskChem Engineering. His work took him all over Alaska cleaning up hazardous spills and dubious rusty tanks, navigating bureaucratic regulations with a stubborn insistence on good science and pragmatic solutions.

Ralph and his lifelong friends, the "Royal Raccoons," met every week to play cribbage, philosophize, and occasionally brainstorm projects. Their desire to save the old Co-Op buildings to make a cultural center led to Ralph and friends instigating the Palmer Historical Society in 1986. He spearheaded restoration of the water tower, and climbed to the top to replace the red ball finial. For a 1978 production of "Our Town" directed by Joe Lawton, Ralph and Leif Kopperud tracked down the town's missing Co-Op whistle for a uniquely authentic sound effect prop. We hear it today as a steady reminder of our childhoods in Palmer.

In 1978, he bought land on a pond and began building, designing the house himself from foundation to cabinetry. Ralph married Helen Hartley in 1983, and they had two kids. He loved his family and took good care of them with reliable calm, humor and ingenuity. He enjoyed smoking salmon, canoeing, lake golf, gatherings with the neighbors and rarely passed up an opportunity to challenge thinking and encourage unexpected connections.

Ralph's curiosity found endless layers of interest in the landscape of home. He turned family hikes into historical expeditions following outdated maps, investigated peat bogs, asked old-timers obscure questions, logged rare bird sightings, bet with the Raccoons on the date of green leaves each spring and surveyed salmon populations in changeable Matanuska sidestreams. He called Palmer Slough the northernmost point of the Pacific Ocean, and calculated we live at the Lunar Arctic Circle.

Ralph had a mind like no other, which hid his slipping memory until a bout of COVID-19 in 2022 accelerated the damage enough to make it plain. Still, nothing stopped him from enjoying long walks, tinkering around the house and cribbage nights with loyal friends Jack Snodgrass, Bill Estelle, Chuck Logsdon, Joe, Leif and others.

Ralph spent his last year in the Palmer Pioneer Home. The efforts of his entire family and many friends earned him a good end of the trail there, after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia and a short one with cancer. His last days were spent surrounded by family, friends and caring AVPH staff. He never stopped teaching life lessons to those around him. His last gift was a spark of awareness that broke through in time to say goodbye to his family.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter, Ruth of Palmer; son, Garth of Fairbanks; siblings and their spouses, Kathy and Tommy Davis in Maryland, Paul Hulbert of Big Lake, Janet Hulbert and Kevin Waring in Arizona; in-laws, Kirk and Toni Hartley of Finger Lake and Roberta and Alvin Swick of Seldovia; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their kids who all made his days brighter and will carry his stories and lessons forward.

He was laid to rest in Palmer Cemetery. A memorial will be held at the Palmer Depot at 2 p.m., on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

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.

Cheryl Ann Lubeck

Sep 19, 1954 -

Mar 3, 2026

Cheryl Ann Lubeck (nee Meschko), age 71, of Anchorage, Alaska, went to Heaven on the morning of March 3, 2026. She left our world peacefully in the presence of family, love and comfort. Cheryl was a beloved mother, wife, sister and friend whose light shone warmly everywhere she went. She is deeply missed.

Cheryl was born in Moscow, Idaho, on Sept. 19,1954, to John Meschko and Alice Thompson. As a child she enjoyed using her imagination and making magic out of ordinary things. She graduated from Potlatch High School in 1972. At the University of Idaho, she was a member of the Vandalette Drill Team and earned a Bachelor of Arts in home economics. While in college she met and fell in love with her husband Tom. They married on June 9, 1979, in Potlatch and moved to Alaska to start their family of four beautiful children: three daughters and one son.

Cheryl worked at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Anchorage before becoming a real estate appraiser in 1984, ultimately co-founding Alpine Appraisal in 2006. Cheryl loved how her profession allowed her to meet new people and see the myriad ways they kept their homes and yards. She curated her own home with things that brought her joy, such as seasonal decor and rich gardens. She often took advantage of the long daylight hours in summer, weeding and planting her garden long into the evening. Her signature bloom was a massive white ball hydrangea, which she dried and placed in vases around the house to remind her when the days got shorter and winter settled in that spring and summer would always be waiting just around the corner.

Cheryl was exceptionally talented with handicrafts. She wrote in beautiful cursive and calligraphy making cards, invitations and labels. With her sewing skills she created everything from Barbie doll clothes to her children's Halloween costumes, fashioned shirts for her husband and made her own wedding dress and all of her bridesmaids' dresses. She crocheted ornaments, collected, dried and pressed fall leaves, and quilted with her friends. She left behind many treasured creations.

Cheryl loved to travel and see new places. She visited Norway, Japan - Okinawa -Germany, New Zealand, Belize, France and England. She rappelled down canyons in Zion National Park, rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and went horseback riding in Canada. She also loved local adventures such as camping with her family, attending dinners with friends, visiting neighborhood block parties and going on long walks with the family Labradors. Everywhere she went she collected rocks or sand, amassing an impressive collection of geologic wonders representing her life's journeys.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters, Andrea and Alison; son, John; sisters, Diane and Linda; brother, John; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and John; and daughter, Sarah. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, where Cheryl was a longtime member, on June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m.; anyone whose life was touched by Cheryl is welcome to attend. Cheryl loved donating to causes that were meaningful to her. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local environmental organizations, animal and homeless shelters, and the ALS Association.

George Piaskowski

Apr 14, 1955 -

Apr 25, 2026

George Michael Piaskowski, born on April 14, 1955, in Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on April 25, 2026, at the age of 71.

George lived his entire life in Anchorage, building a life defined by hard work, loyalty and a deep connection to his family and the outdoors. He worked at Sunrise Bakery for 20 years, retiring at age 55. He was known as someone you could count on—steady, dependable and always willing to do what needed to be done.

He was a man who could fix anything and took pride in his work. Some of his most valued memories were the hours spent in his father's garage alongside his brothers, where work and time together went hand-in-hand.

George found peace and happiness outdoors. He loved halibut fishing out of Seward, Alaska, and was known for insisting on traveling 50 miles out to reach his favorite spot. He built his own airboat, a reflection of his determination and skill.

He served as president of the Alaska Boating Association in the early 1990s, giving his time to a community he believed in.

George was not one for many words, but his loyalty to those he loved never wavered. He showed his love through what he did—by being there, by helping and by standing beside his family through everything.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Piaskowski; children, Kendra Kirkpatrick (50), Tricia Piaskowski (49), George Piaskowski II (43) and Mike Piaskowski (39); siblings, Tom Piaskowski, Dennis Piaskowski and Kathy Piaskowski; mother, Mary Piaskowski; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Piaskowski; father, Ted Piaskowski; and brothers, Jimmy and Patrick Piaskowski.

He will be deeply missed.

Michael John Pipino

Jan 20, 1949 -

Apr 29, 2026

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Michael John Pipino passed away surrounded by loving friends. Michael was born on Jan. 20, 1949. He grew up in Clifton Park, N.Y., and moved to Soldotna, Alaska, in 1977, when he was 28. Having worked in construction in New York, he quickly found work around the Kenai Peninsula. In time he became a General Contractor and built a successful business, MJP Construction, doing new construction and remodeling projects.

In 1977, he met the love of his life, lifelong Alaskan Sharon Pace, and on June 30, 1979, they were married on the lawn of their Soldotna home. They remained there until 1986, when they sold everything and bought a fifth-wheel trailer and for the next several years they traveled the country. They wanted to do this when they were young and healthy and could enjoy it. They stopped to work odd jobs when they needed money and then headed down the road to their next adventure. Longer stays included the Florida Keys and upstate New York.

As often happens, Alaska called them back and, in 1990, they returned not to Soldotna, but to the thriving metropolis of Anchorage. Michael quickly found work and eventually started a new General Contracting business, MJP Enterprises. Michael found a niche market, building and remodeling homes to make them ADA accessible.

Due to health concerns, he retired - not happily - in 2011. Once retired he had the time to revisit some old hobbies such as brewing beer, playing guitar and gardening. Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Meredith; wife, Sharon; and parents, Mary and Al Pipino. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Kimberly Pace; daughter-in-law, Sheri Heritage; newest addition to the family, Beth Fischer Comstock; eight younger sisters and brothers and their respective partners; longtime dear friends, Teresa and Ted Tyrcz and their son Jacob and daughter-in-law Natasha; and the best chocolate chip cookie maker ever, Suzanne Marshall.

Wayne Anthony Ross

Feb 25, 1943 -

Apr 18, 2026

Wayne Anthony Ross, otherwise known as WAR to many in Alaska and around the country, died peacefully in Anthem, Ariz., on April 18, 2026.

Wayne was born in West Allis, Wis., on Feb. 25, 1943. After graduating from Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wis., Wayne attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for his undergraduate degree and Marquette University for his Juris Doctor degree. In summer 1967, just before his last year in law school, he drove the Alcan Highway in a 1961 Volkswagen Beetle with a close friend. He found work as a law clerk for a local attorney for the summer and immediately fell in love with the Last Frontier. He returned to Milwaukee after the summer and fell in love with another beauty, Barbara L. Froelich. Wayne and Barbara were married in June 1968, and drove to Alaska four days after their wedding in a brand new 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle station wagon to start a life together in the Far North.

Wayne's first job in Alaska was as an Assistant Attorney General in the Alaska Department of Law. After a short while, he transitioned to become the Standing Master of the Family Court and Court Trustee. While WAR enjoyed his public legal duties, he decided to enter private practice in 1973. WAR eventually opened his own law office in October 1977, at the same time as he and Barbara moved into their new home on the Anchorage Hillside, which came to be known as "Blackacre."

Over the next five decades, WAR epitomized the ideals of Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" and became a larger than life figure "spending himself in a worthy cause" - in the legal system, in politics and in the public eye. In addition to practicing family law, Wayne was a voracious reader and author, writing regular columns for the Alaska Bar Rag and the Anchorage Times. He ran spirited grassroots campaigns for Governor of Alaska twice, both times coming close to clinching the Republican ticket. A passionate defender of the Second Amendment, WAR served on the NRA Board of Directors from 1980 until his death - rising to serve as second Vice President during the late 1980s - and testified on the right to keep and bear arms before Congress and the Alaska Legislature. As an avid gun collector, WAR organized the Alaska Gun Collectors Association. A true American patriot, WAR accepted a commission from the Governor in the Alaska State Defense Force and rose to the rank of Colonel. He also served on the Board and as Chairman of the Armed Services YMCA. During the Palin administration, WAR served as the Alaska Attorney General for two weeks. WAR loved being referred to as "General" especially in front of those in the Legislature who voted for his defeat. In 2012, WAR published his first book titled "Courtrooms, Cartridges, and Campfires: Lawyering on the Last Frontier" in which he relates many of his stories of rugged individualism in his early years in Alaska and providing answers to the question "What is a nice boy from Wisconsin doing in a place like Alaska?"

Active in the Anchorage Catholic community and a vocal advocate for the unborn, Wayne was a founding member of the Alaska Right to Life and served on its Board for decades. Wayne's exemplary service to the Church resulted in the Vatican installing him as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. A man of integrity and high moral character, Wayne was also well known for his signature red Hummer and his WAR plates.

Alive with the frontier spirit, WAR spent many days and nights afield, chasing big game and fish and enjoying God's creation. He went on his last hunt in September 2019, at age 76 years old, taking a beautiful Delta bull bison surrounded by his wife and children. WAR especially loved family time at his lodge on Tyone Lake and spent many hours playing poker and sheepshead late into the evening winning money from his friends, children and grandchildren, and telling tall tales.

Wayne is predeceased by his first wife, Barbara, to whom he was married for 44 years. In 2015, after a couple years as a bachelor, Wayne married the second love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" Brown, whom he met through a mutual friend. Wayne and Ginny maintained homes in Alaska and Arizona and enjoyed time with each other's families and friends as often as possible. Wayne is survived by Ginny; four children, Greg (Patty), Brian (Tracy), Tim (Nikki) and Amy; and 10 grandchildren. Wayne's sole surviving sibling, his older sister Kay, lives in California.

Viewing is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2901 East Huffman Road in Anchorage, Alaska, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. A reception at O'Malley's on the Green, 3651 O'Malley Road, will follow the Mass. A private interment will be at the Anchorage Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, 1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.

Carol Anne Stolpe

Jun 4, 1936 -

Mar 7, 2026

Carol Anne Stolpe, 89, of Anchorage, Alaska, matriarch of her family and role model to many, passed away on March 7, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Carol passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her husband, Walter Featherly, and surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born on June 4, 1936, in Bay City, Mich., to Edward Arthur Courtney and Geraldine Veronica (Hardesty) Courtney. Carol demonstrated her independent spirit early. In 1958, while attending school in Detroit to become a dental hygienist, Carol became engaged to marry a fellow dental student, John Raymond Stolpe. After John graduated with his D.D.S., he took a job with the U.S. Public Health Service, and his first assignment was in Nome, Alaska. Carol and John's plan was to marry the following year when John returned to Michigan. But that plan did not last long. Carol packed her bags, and much to the consternation of her parents, left her home in Saint Clair Shores, Mich., to join John in Nome, where they were married at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. They honeymooned in the nearby community of Teller, the only community connected to Nome by a road.

Nome proved to be just the beginning of Carol's adventures. Over the next 15 years, Carol and John moved nine more times, relocating, in order, to New York City; the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming; Mt. Edgecumbe in Alaska; Anchorage; Aberdeen, S.D.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; back to Aberdeen; Washington, D.C.; and, finally, back to Anchorage in 1973. In the first five of those 15 years, Carol and John had four daughters, which meant that for every one of those cross-country moves, Carol had at least one infant or small child in tow.

Carol was a devoted and engaged mother, and she took a particular interest in her daughters' education. Carol was a frequent presence in her daughters' schools, classrooms and extra-curricular activities, volunteering, supporting and advocating for her daughters' best interests. Later, when their girls were about to enter high school, Carol and John decided that it was time to settle where their girls could all graduate from one high school. They settled on Anchorage, and all four of their daughters graduated from Service High School.

With her girls attending Service High, Carol broadened her education advocacy focus, and she began organizing with other parents at Service High to bring about changes and improvements, not just for her children but for the Service High community. It was during those years that Carol founded "For Parents Only" – a parent support network for parenting teens – and was the Service High School representative to the Anchorage School Board for minority issues.

It is not surprising that Carol's commitment to serving schools and students led her to seek elected office. In 1983, Carol ran for the Anchorage School Board. While she was not successful on her first try, Carol redoubled her efforts, and the next year she won decisively. In her nearly nine years on the Anchorage School Board, Carol continued her strong record of advocacy for Anchorage's students and their parents, teachers and schools, and her successes included serving as a founding member of the Anchorage YWCA, co-founder of the Anchorage School District's School Business Partnership Program and elected member of the Alaska Association of School Boards. In 1992, Carol put her political career on the line and fought to protect Anchorage's public schools and their students from a negligent superintendent. The fight ended Carol's tenure on the Anchorage School Board, but not before she and a few of her fellow school board members were successful in sending him packing.

With her children all graduated from high school and her school board service at an end, Carol broadened her dedication to public service. In the following decades, Carol served on the Anchorage Platting Board, the Alaska Dental Hygienist Association – including six years as a delegate to the American Dental Hygienist Association, the Fee Arbitration and Disciplinary Committees of the Alaska Bar Association and a board member of the Atheneum Middle School, an Anchorage private school. With her passion for education, her dedication and her generosity with her time and talents, Carol richly contributed to her community.

Carol was widowed in 1993. She met Walter while both were serving on the Anchorage School Board, and they married in 2003. With Walter, Carol pursued two of her lifelong passions – travel and photography. Together, Carol and Walter traveled to more than 30 countries, some more than once. In her own words: "[W]e were traveling to learn about the people of these countries, their culture and their histories, and not necessarily to photograph. But, always with camera in hand, I recorded images that would remind us of what we had seen and learned." Carol's images are much more than recordings of what she saw – they are works of art that adorn their home and their children's and grandchildren's homes and provide a source of enjoyment for all who have seen them.

Above all, Carol was devoted to her family, teaching her daughters persistence, resilience and determination - three of her finest qualities – and doting on her two stepsons, her nine grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. She was well-known as a wit and was always full of mischief and laughter, which she shared liberally with her family and many others; she had a puckish grin which everyone knew would mean some teasing was coming their way.

Carol is survived by her husband, Walter Featherly; daughters, Suzanne Bishop, Elizabeth Stolpe, Lynnea Ossello and Anne Katherine "AK" Smith (Chris Smith); grandchildren, Eleanor "Nell" Bishop, Louise Bishop, Elle Ossello (Gary Paasch), Nicolas Ossello (Dominique Ferrara), Gianna Ossello (Ian Wingert), Katherine "Katie" Stennette (Matt McLoughlin), Tyler Stennette (Daphne Salaverry), Jacob "Jake" Smith and Liam Smith; great-grandchild, Scout Paasch; and Walter's children, Winston Featherly-Bean (Jemie Fofanah) and Peter Featherly-Bean (Tiyi Huckaby). Carol survived her two brothers, Gerald Courtney and Thomas Courtney.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2-4 p.m., at the Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.