Glenn Hagberg

Sep 27, 1961 -

Feb 13, 2026

Glenn Hagberg, Anchorage's beloved DJ Tunemaster, recently passed away after a 2 1/2-year battle with cancer. For the last 12 years, Glenn worked as the Events Manager at the Bayshore Clubhouse and his positive spirit, enthusiasm and energy will be sorely missed in the Bayshore neighborhood residents.

Inupiaq on his father's side, Glenn grew up in Fairbanks and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with his family at 9 years old. Glenn also enjoyed listening to records when he was young and became a big music collector as he grew. Because he had so much music, a friend asked him to DJ his wedding, after which Glenn started his own DJ business in 1992 that he operated for the next 34 years even DJ-ing in the last weeks of his life.

Glenn graduated from Service High School and from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in journalism and communications. Glenn worked in public relations for Northrim Bank, was a radio announcer for eight years from 1979 to 1987, and most recently managed events at the Bayshore Events Center.

Glenn's father, Bud A.E. Hagberg, helped found the World Indian Eskimo Olympics and Glenn became a big sports fan. Glenn loved sports and his kids grew up going to Anchorage Aces, Bucs and Pilots games with Glenn. Glenn was always thinking of fun ways to spend time with his kids as they were growing up: joining parent/child bowling leagues, going camping and always providing support at his children's sports events.

On camping trips, Glenn was known for creating five-star campout meals. At home, neighborhood folks knew to come by with a plate at dinner time because Glenn would make such tasty food and always offer to feed them. His children remember Glenn packing a full lunch with fresh baked cookies every day – each day of high school – something his children never took for granted and appreciated every single day. The most thoughtful caring guy.

Glenn truly lived by the idea that you can't take it with you. He never owned a house or chased wealth, but he was rich in family, love, lifelong friendships and a job that brought him real joy. A DJ at heart, Glenn loved getting people to dance, feeding people, cooking for friends and showing up to his family's events.

In his last few weeks, friends from across his lifetime came from all over to sit with him, give him strength and remind him how loved he was. When Glenn made friends, he kept them for life - he loved big - and taught his children how to do the same.

Glenn is survived by his sister, Janet Wallace; children, Quinn C. Hagberg, Raedeen, Jonnie and Tara Neeley; and grandchildren, Ellijah Neeley-Sanders, Rigo Sanchez, Rayah Neeley-Davis. Glenn's parents, Berniece and Albert Hagberg, as well as his brother, Gregory Hagberg, passed on before.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Glenn Hagberg on March 22, 2026, from 3-7 p.m., at Bayshore Clubhouse Events Center, 3131 Amber Bay Loop Road, Anchorage, AK 99515.

Norma Hannan

Apr 24, 1937 -

Jan 3, 2026

Norma Hannan lived a life, curious, adventurous and unmistakably her own. She passed peacefully on Jan. 3, 2026.

Born in Colorado, Norma moved to Alaska when her father joined the Alaska Railroad. She graduated from Anchorage High School and went on to study for three years at the American University of Beirut. Norma earned a degree in education and spent 40-years teaching at Eagle River Elementary School.

Norma married Leo Hannan in 2000. Together they shared laughter, travel and a home alive with warmth until Leo's passing in 2015. In later years, she chose awe over fear, flying with her newfound companion, Herb. Norma was a lifelong adventurer, traveling to places such as Egypt, South Africa and Australia. She was an accomplished skier, scuba diver and photographer. Wherever she went, Norma had a rare ease. She listened with real interest, asked thoughtful questions and made people feel accepted rather than evaluated. Her authenticity gave others permission to relax into their own.

Norma is survived by her children, Marc, Robin, Joe and Kim; grandchildren, Cade, Colt, Callie and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Mercy and Oliver; Leo's daughters, Sarah and Ellen; and his granddaughters, Amy and Mellisa.

Norma's love lives on through her family, her students, her friends and the animals and strangers she quietly lifted along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., on April 11, 2026, at the Alaska Center for Spiritual Living, 929 E. 81st Street, Anchorage, AK 99518.

Roy Ireland

Oct 28, 2025

Roy Robert Wharton Ireland, age 75, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, of natural causes.

Roy was born in East London, South Africa, the son of Ross and Edna Ireland, and raised primarily in Bloemfontein. After graduating from Grey College, Roy joined the South African military, where he was selected to the Army Band as a trumpeter. Despite the opportunity to play for the State President's Guard, he chose instead to serve as a paratrooper. Following his army stint, Roy worked for the South African Railway for a time and studied accounting at university. In 1971, Roy married Glennis, the woman who would be his wife for more than 50 years.

In January 1973, Roy and Glennis moved to Alaska in the midst of one of the coldest winters in decades. They loved their new home, however, and soon settled in, with Roy attending Alaska Methodist University. Roy graduated with a dual major of mathematics and geology. He soon put that knowledge to use doing sampling and mapping field work for a mining company in the summers and working at Pay and Save during the winters.

Roy began working for the State of Alaska as a hydrologist in the early 1980s. For more than 30 years Roy worked for the citizens of Alaska, monitoring waters all across the state. He was involved with creating some of the early computer programs used to track water usage. After retirement Roy continued to work as a consultant and help with special projects.

Roy was a born nature lover. As a boy in South Africa, Roy spent much of his time exploring the outdoors, learning about all plants and animals, and camping and fishing. His love for nature lasted a lifetime; Roy loved getting outside in Alaska, and he documented his journeys through his passion for photography. Roy was a life-long learner. He was constantly tinkering in his office or the garage, never coming across something he couldn't fix. He loved working to create circuits out of used batteries and wiring, and built numerous computers over the decades. It's hard to imagine that anyone walked away from a conversation with Roy without learning something new and interesting that he was eager to share.

Roy will be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving man with a passion for knowledge and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glennis; and younger brother, David. He is survived by his children, Michael (Jalynn) Ireland and Kathryn Ireland; grandchildren, Allison and Brexley; older brother, Trevor; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River, Alaska, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Mary Jean "MJ" Longley

Dec 3, 1943 -

Mar 3, 2026

Dr. Mary Jean "MJ" Longley, Inupiaq elder, educator and advocate for learning in indigenous communities in Alaska and across the country, passed away on March 3, 2026, in Arizona.

Mary Jean was born in Nome, Alaska, at the end of WWII. From the start of life, her love for learning was so intense, she could be found sitting on the steps of the schoolhouse waiting for it to open.

Growing up as one of eight siblings, Mary Jean loved her family. Her brothers Henry, Gary, Nicholas and Theodore, and her sisters Joan, Fran and Patricia were her foundation. After graduation, she moved to Oregon for the first of many times.

After raising a family, MJ pursued higher education with a voracious determination, earning an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, then a doctorate in education — all in record time. This allowed her to follow her heart to help her people in a variety of leadership positions across Alaska.

She had a lifelong love of fishing and an uncanny skill at catching the biggest ones. She loved exercising her mind and body and was always reading or working out.

Mary Jean's courage inspired generations of strong women and men within her family and community to pursue their dreams.

She grieved the loss of her beloved mother, Frances Longley, as well as siblings Joan, Gary, Henry and Fran, who predeceased her.

She is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Mary Jean "MJ" Longley will be remembered as an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by her passion for helping underserved communities, for her family and for The People.

She is likely fishing somewhere in the afterlife, smiling and surrounded by her ancestors.

She will not be forgotten.

Thomas Earl Robinson

Feb 7, 1949 -

Mar 13, 2026

Thomas Earl Robinson, age 77, passed away on March 13, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Thomas was born in Bryan, Texas, to Jacob and Vanee Robinson. He arrived in Anchorage in 1949, with his family, after driving the Alcan Highway.

A longtime member the Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Thomas was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed camping, hiking and spending time at his cabin. He loved to play pool, all types of music and singing and especially treasured the time he spent with his grandsons.

Thomas will be remembered by his wife, Julie; daughters, Chelsea and husband Jon, Breanna and husband Russell, and Margaret; grandsons, Dylan, Nolan, Tiernan and Dominik; siblings, Curtis (D'Etta), Melvin (Audrey), Verna (Tyrone) and Anthony Polk (Rose); sister-in-law, Carlotta; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Will and George; his parents; and great friend, Chet Courville.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 1-2 p.m., at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 903 East 13th Avenue in Anchorage, followed by a service. Michael Bunton will preside. A Repass will follow the funeral from 3:15-5:30 p.m., in the Ann Stevens Room/Galleria at the Z.J. Loussac Library.

Melvin Schroder Jr.

Nov 19, 1944 -

Mar 15, 2026

Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Melvin "Mike" Schroder Jr. passed away on March 15, 2026.

As a child in 1950, Mike moved with his family from Oregon to Anchorage, where they lived in a tent for two years while his dad built the family home. Mike attended school in Anchorage, graduating from West Anchorage High School in 1963, where he played on the hockey team and played in the band.

After graduating, Mike worked for two years for the National Bureau of Standards on Elmendorf Air Force Base before going to work for Pacific Northern Airlines in 1966. He continued to work in cargo for the airline through it's transition to Western Airlines and then to Delta Airlines, from which he later retired.

Mike's hobbies included playing darts and his guitars. In his retirement, Mike enjoyed fishing in Alaska, gardening, traveling and restoring his vintage Corvette.

Mike is survived by his wife of 61 year, Lauralee Schroder; daughter, Connie Downs; and granddaughters, Melissa Self and husband Billy and Kaila Downs, all of Spring, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Terry Sloan and husband Rory of Salem, Ore., and Debra Roper and husband Ron of Wasilla, Alaska; numerous in-laws; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Avenue in Anchorage.

Leslie Smith

Nov 14, 1974 -

Mar 7, 2026

Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Leslie K. Smith, 51, passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her children, family and devoted caregivers in Eagle River, Alaska. She fought a courageous nine-year battle with ALS, always saying that her love for her children kept her going.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage, at 2 p.m.

Leslie was born on Nov. 14, 1974, in Traverse City, Mich., to Richard and Shirley Smith. She grew up in Eagle River and Anchorage, graduated from Dimond High School in 1993, and attended UAA. She began her career with Alaska Airlines in 1996, later moving into logistics and CSR work in the Alaska oil and gas industry. She was employed with Furie Alaska at the time of her ALS diagnosis in 2017. A devoted mother, Leslie loved traveling—especially to Hawaii and Rome—hosting gatherings, camping and planning adventures with her family and friends. Her vibrant personality lit up every room. Although she lost her ability to speak, her expressive eyes conveyed her love and humor to all those around her.

Her family wrote: "Leslie's love, generosity and kind heart inspired everyone who knew her. She lived life to the fullest and faced ALS with unmatched strength and humor. We are forever grateful to her caregivers and medical team."

Leslie is survived by her five children, Alex (Theresa), Riley, Makena, Katelynn (Jenoi and three grandchildren) and Kyle; parents; sisters and family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Steve and Sandra Lambert for their extraordinary care over the past two years.

Per her wishes, her children will privately scatter her remains at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to Lisa Winzenburg, P.O. Box 230842, Anchorage, AK 99523.

Maureen Stevenson

May 18, 1937 -

Feb 26, 2026

Maureen Elizabeth Stevenson passed away peacefully on Feb. 26, 2026, at The Pioneer Home in Palmer, Alaska. She was 88 years old.

Maureen was born on May 18, 1937, in Santa Rita, N.M., to Talbot and Kathryn Barger. She lived in Reserve, N.M., and Ft. Collins, Colo., before moving her family to Palmer in 1971.

She is survived by four of her five children: Kelly, Noel, Ruth and Reed. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; three partners; and firstborn son, Stewart. She will be remembered for her strong will, her independence and her beautiful gardens.

The public is invited to join us for a memorial on April 18, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Palmer. A private family remembrance will be held at a later date. The family asks that those who wish to honor Maureen's memory take time to enjoy the outdoors, care for animals in need or tend a garden—simple pleasures she cherished throughout her life.

Roger Van Ornum

Nov 5, 1943 -

Mar 5, 2026

Roger Dean Van Ornum, 82, of Eagle River, Alaska, formerly of Duncombe, Iowa, passed away on March 5, 2026. He was born on Nov. 5, 1943, in Duncombe.

Roger spent his early years in Barnum, Fort Dodge and Duncombe before moving to Alaska in 1988. A hardworking farmer, heavy equipment mechanic, truck driver and true jack-of-all-trades, Roger was known for his skill with machinery, his love of the outdoors and his unforgettable sense of humor.

He was a member of Otho United Methodist Church in Iowa and Independent Baptist Church in Anchorage. Roger enjoyed horses, four-wheelers, snowmachines, hunting and building or digging anything he could get his hands on.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Troy of Houston, Texas, Trent of Chicago, Ill., and Tana (Doug) of Gardner, Kan.; as well as Shirley Fitzpatrick, Linda (Mike) Armistead and Tim (Darlene) Davis; and many grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Joan "Jody" Wolff (Mehelich)

Apr 2, 1941 -

Feb 24, 2026

On Feb. 24, 2026, Joan "Jody" Wolff (Mehelich) passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 84, in her home in Sun City West, Ariz., with her loving husband of 48 years, Art, by her side.

Born Joan, but soon nicknamed Jody, she grew up in the mining town of Coleraine where she had much fun with her friends, brothers Tom and Bill, and sister Jeannie. From a musical family, Jody played French horn and was also a baton-twirling majorette.

After high school, Jody worked as a dental hygienist in Minneapolis, Minn., but soon decided to go to Bemidji State to receive a degree in what was to become her calling in life, teaching. Upon graduation, Jody, along with the accordion-toting Gersich sisters, set out for jobs in Alaska, which involved a two-week journey and camping along the rugged Alaska Highway. Jody taught fifth and sixth grades, and later kindergarten, in Anchorage, Alaska, schools.

She was a lifelong, curious learner, which is part of what made her such a good teacher. While working as a teacher, Jody got her master's degree in education from the University of Alaska and achieved the highest accreditation possible in her field. Everything she did, she did very well.

Jody was very adventurous and loved to travel. She and Art traveled worldwide, and even worked for Princess Cruise Lines in their retirement to receive discounted cruises. She also enjoyed crafting, and was a great cook. She was an excellent host to those who showed up on her Alaska doorstep. After retiring, Jody and Art traded the Alaska cold for Arizona sunshine, where they kept busy with friends, family and camping in their RV.

Jody is survived by her husband, Art; brother, Tom (Fran) Mehelich; brothers-in-law, Gene Specht and Kirk (Janet) Wolff; sister-in-law, Cynthia Boock; 11 nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Iris Mehelich; parents-in-law, Fred and Irene Wolff; brother, Bill Mehelich; sister-in-law, Lynn Mehelich; sister, Jeannie Specht; and nephew, Michael Mehelich.

There will be no formal funeral service.