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Helen Erlwein
Longtime Alaska pioneer Helen Irene Erlwein died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage of congestive heart failure. She was 81.
Her remains will be scattered Aug. 17 on the Kenai River.
Mrs. Erlwein was born Sept. 11, 1920, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She met her future husband, Ted Erlwein Sr., in high school in Seattle. They married in 1941.
The family moved to Alaska in 1952, living in Sitka, Seward, Kodiak and Kenai. In 1957, they blazed the road that is now Forest Lane for a homestead on Longmere Lake in Soldotna.
They raised five children there, the first year with no electricity and no running water. The Erlweins managed construction camps in the 1960s and '70s. In 1971, they bought the Harbor View Restaurant in Kenai.
After her husband's death in 1976, Mrs. Erlwein worked as a baker at the Happy Horse Hotel on the North Slope and treated the construction workers to her specialty cakes and bear claws before retiring at age 66 when she returned to Soldotna to live on the bluff of the Kenai River.
Mrs. Erlwein enjoyed crocheting afghans for her family, entertaining her many friends and family who came to visit, and "just sitting and watching the Kenai River go by."
"Friends and family remember her generosity and kindness. She was 'Mom' to everyone who knew her, " her family said.
Mrs. Erlwein was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Erlwein Sr., in 1976, and her oldest daughter, Barbara Taylor, in February 2002.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Walters of Corvallis, Ore.; daughters and sons-in-law Susan and Gary Davis of Soldotna and Kathleen and Tom Wood of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Ted Erlwein Jr. and Terry Erlwein of Bishop, Calif.; grandchildren, Heidi Inman, Brian Davis, Karen O'Hara, Carol Davis, Kara Erlwein and Laura Walters; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Brian and Caitlyn Inman and Aily O'Hara; sisters, Edith Watson, Kathleen Morrison and Rose Mahurin; and brothers, Leroy and Bill Maxwell.
Funeral arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel in Anchorage.
Paul Michael Valcho
Paul Michael Valcho died Friday, July 26, 2002, at Heritage Place Nursing Center in Soldotna. He was 78.
At the family's request, no services are planned.
Mr. Valcho was born Jan. 25, 1924, in Alaquippa, Pa. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 9th Army.
He moved to Alaska in 1968, living in Soldotna. He worked in construction in Anchorage and on the Kenai Peninsula. Mr. Valcho was of the Roman Catholic faith. He also enjoyed watching sports and western movies.
"I will miss a father and a man that I knew very little about; now may he rest in peace, " said his son Fred.
He is survived by a brother, John; sons, David, Christopher, Fred, Terrance and Joel; daughters, Claudia and Rachael; and eight grandchildren.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Alfred Ray Adamson
Kenai resident Alfred Ray Adamson died Thursday, July 18, 2002, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. He was 65.
At his request, no services are planned. His ashes will be scattered at the Adamson Family Farm in Jacksonville, Texas.
Mr. Adamson was born July 21, 1937, in Texas. He received a degree from the University of Texas. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. He moved to Kenai in 1992, and worked as a self-employed consulting engineer.
Mr. Adamson was a Master Mason and Shriner. He was also an avid, longtime aviator.
"In keeping with the way daddy lived his life, he wanted family and friends to celebrate his life at his passing and requested that a formal service not be held. He lived life to its fullest. His sense of humor and his strong spiritual beliefs and convictions have touched many lives. We are all better people having known him. Our joyful memories and his spirit will be with us always." his family said.
Mr. Adamson is survived by his daughter, Angela Adamson Hansen; grandsons, Marcus Ray Crouch, Tommy and Jacob Woods, all of Kenai, formerly of Jacksonville and Tyler, Texas; brothers, Bob Adamson of Jacksonville and Thurston Adamson of Houston, Texas; a sister, Dolores Mullane of Jacksonville; and nieces and nephews in Texas and Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed, Ste. 204, Anchorage, AK 99503, or made by phone by calling (800) 224-2345. Please state that the donation is in memory of Ray Adamson, and cards can be sent by the American Cancer Society to Angela Adamson Hansen, P.O. Box 1066, Kenai, AK 99611, notifying her of any donations made.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
LaVern 'Butch' Anderson
Longtime Kenai resident LaVern "Butch" Anderson died Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage. He was 76.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at New Life Assembly of God Church in Kenai. Pastor Steve Brown will officiate.
Burial will follow the funeral service at Spruce Grove Memorial Park in Kasilof. Pallbearers will be Jimmy, Randy, Steven, Shane, Robert and Jeff Anderson.
Mr. Anderson was born Dec. 14, 1925, in Noonan, N.D. He graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, N.D. He moved to Alaska in 1967 to live in Kenai. He worked as a platform maintenance supervisor for Amoco Production Co. until he retired in 1990.
He was an avid golf player and fan of the game.
"Butch always left a lasting mark on those he came in contact with. All those who had the pleasure of knowing him were better people because of it. He will always be remembered for his kind smile, thoughtful words and humorous anecdotes. Butch never met a stranger, " his family said.
"Butch had boundless energy and enthusiasm, and he shared both. He was what we all strive to be -- honest, decent, hardworking, committed, dedicated, straight-forward, positive, honorable and a one-of-a-kind gentleman. He will be missed by his family and many friends."
Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Virginia; son, Kim; and grandson, Carey David.
He is survived by daughters, Sharrell, Kathy, Shari, Tamara and Teresa; sons, Jimmy, Randy, Shane, Steven and Robert; 31 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Christopher Michael Galuska
Ninilchik resident Christopher Michael Galuska died Sunday, May 29, 2002, in Anchorage. He was age 29.
A memorial service was held earlier in Ninilchik.
Mr. Galuska was born Sept. 30, 1972, in Torrance, Calif. He enjoyed fishing, hiking and skiing.
"Chris, you will always be with us. You are the most kind and gentle Earth spirit. As your mother, I am so fortunate to have had you in my life for 29 years. Your father and brother will forever hold you in their hearts. Someday we will be together again. Until then my son, we all love you. You touched all of us. We will be talking to you. I love you, " his family said.
Mr. Galuska is survived by his mother, Doreen Galuska; father, John M. Galuska; brother, Jeremy J. Galuska, all of Ninilchik; maternal grandmother, Grace M. Taggs of Folsom, Calif.; paternal grandmother, Betty J. Galuska of Sun City, Calif.; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Edward S. Challans
Edward S. Challans died Tuesday, July 9, 2002, due to injuries sustained in a one-vehicle accident in Lewistown, Mont. He was 26.
Funeral services were held at Creed Funeral Chapel in Lewistown on July 15. Cremation followed the service.
Mr. Challans was born July 9, 1976, in Nottingham, England. He came to the United States with his family when he was 22 months old. He was raised and got his education in Lewistown.
Mr. Challans came to Alaska in June 1998 to be with his brothers, Aaron and Michael. He had many jobs, including working at Country Foods and Three Bears in Kenai and Wonder Bread in Soldotna.
He was married to Angela Plagge of Kenai in Lewistown on Aug. 4, 2001.
Mr. Challans worked as a floorman for SST Energy in Wyoming. He enjoyed camping, fishing and dirt biking. He took great pride in his family and his job, his family said.
Mr. Challans was preceded in death by a grandfather and an uncle, Brian Challans.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Rae Challans of Lewistown; sons, Orion Michael, 3, and Egan John, 22 months; daughter, X'zandria Ann, 5 months; father, John Challans and his wife of Lewistown; mother, Pamela and her husband of Nevada; sisters, Lisa Challans of Seattle, Nina Gilespie, who is serving in the U.S. Air Force, Sally Wilson and Debra Hanson, both of Nottingham; brothers, Michael Challans of Lewistown, Aaron Challans of Anchorage, Brain Challans of Minnesota and Mark Challans; grandparents, John and Ann Tuss of Winifred, Mont.; father- and mother-in-law, Earl and Kathaleen Sanford of Casper, Wyo.; and mother-in-law, Ann Mueller of Kenai.
Memorials may be sent to Angela or Mike Challans, 1710 E. Teton Blvd., Green River, Wyo., 82935.
Arrangements were made by Creed Funeral Chapel in Lewistown.
Robin Renee Walters
Kenai resident Robin Renee Walters died Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at her home. She was 42.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Mrs. Walters was born Dec. 26, 1959, in Spokane, Wash. She moved to Alaska in 1982, living in Kodiak, Homer and then Kenai.
She worked as an insulation installer, working throughout Alaska for the Asbestos Union 76 of Albuquerque, N.M. She also worked at the Rig Bar in Kenai during the 1980s.
She enjoyed playing bingo and watching her daughter, B.B., play baseball. She was a member of the Moose Lodge in Kenai.
"She never knew a dishonest person and trusted everyone. Holidays were all special to her. She loved her two girls and her family. We will miss you and you will be in our hearts, not far away. We remember all the good times with you, " her family said.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Dwight Todd McConnell; grandmother, Anna May Fredias; and her aunt, Sonja Russell.
She is survived by her husband, Ken Walters of Seward; daughters, Brittany Racha Walters and Shanija Yuteve Walters of Kenai; parents, Austin "Moe" and Yuteve "Butch" McConnell of Kenai; brothers, Rick and Robert McConnell of Farmington, N.M., and Randy Lemley of Seattle; sisters, Rhea Hansel of Farmington and Tonja McConnell of Albuquerque, N.M.; aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anderson of Seattle, Mr. and Mrs. Gil Cortez of Gilbert, Ariz., and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Holland of Brookfield, Mo.; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Foster Walters of Kenai; grandmother, Lois J. McConnell of Albuquerque; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alaska USA Federal Credit Union fund for Shanija and Brittany Walters, P.O. Box 196613 Anchorage, AK, 99519-6613
Arrangements are by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Shelley M. Friendshuh
Soldotna resident Shelley M. Friendshuh died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. She was 62.
A memorial mass will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2002, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Soldotna. Fathers Richard Tero and Richard Strauss will officiate. A reception will follow at O'Neill Hall.
Born Sept. 10, 1939, in Gilbert, Minn., Mrs. Friendshuh graduated from Gilbert High School and went on to Winona State College, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education and a minor in art.
She was a pioneer of Alaska having lived here for 36 years. She and her husband, George, drove to Alaska from Minnesota shortly after they were married. They lived for a short time in Anchorage and moved to Kodiak, where their first child, Sonya, was born. A year later, they moved to Soldotna, where they built their home together. Their sons, Greg and Brad, were born in the old Soldotna Clinic.
Mrs. Friendshuh was a youth hockey coach in the late 1970s and during the time her daughter was involved in dance, she worked behind the scenes.
Her hobbies included arts, crafts, walking, biking and traveling. She visited many states and foreign countries with her husband. She loved the changing seasons that Alaska offered. She enjoyed sitting at the Kenai beach where she reflected on the beauty of nature. Her favorite past time included the many Sunday picnics at "the lake."
She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and a Eucharistic minister.
"In the community, she gave from her heart not wanting to be given credit for the many donations and volunteer time she willingly provided. She took quiet notice of all things around her. In her caring and devotion, she dedicated her life to her husband, children and grandchildren. She meant the world to us, " her family said.
Mrs. Friendshuh is survived by her parents, Ed and Ang Glatch of Gilbert, Minn.; husband, George Friendshuh; daughter and son-in-law, Sonya and Jerry Marshall of Singapore; sons, Greg Friendshuh of Soldotna and Brad Friendshuh of Tucson, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Gary Marshall and Deannea Marshall of Singapore.
Memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2165, Kenai, AK 99611.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
