Huge Marriages Search Engine!
Richard Sprague
June 12, 1916 - April 2, 2013
Richard Lewis Sprague, 96, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska. He had suffered from, and many times rallied through heart problems; he succumbed to congestive heart failure.
Richard was born in Oregon, Wisconsin on June 12, 1916, to Lewis and Elsa Sprague.
During his high school years they moved to the family farm in McFarland, WI, where he helped his parents work the farm until his enlistment in 1941.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Wilma, and brother Harry.
Staff Sergeant Sprague married Evelyn Mackesey of Madison, WI, in a Catholic ceremony at Luke Field, AZ, on May 26, 1943.
Richard had enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941, and served as a flight mechanic during military assignments including time during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, then his final four-year assignment at Elmendorf AFB Alaska where he was retired at age 55 in 1971 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
Richard and his wife, Evelyn, then scouted out retirement areas and decided to return to Homer, Alaska, and make their home here.
The ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, and all the outdoor pursuits he loved were a big draw.
During Richard's active duty years his family traveled with him or followed to assignments — to Japan for two tours, Germany, and various stateside bases.
The couple had five children.
In his Homer retirement, Richard became Captain in a charter fishing business, first working for other organizations, then with his own Grizzly Charters operation, till his second retirement in 1990.
During those years he continued making enduring friendships with sport fishermen who made recurring trips, from Alaska and from other states, to fish with him in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet.
He was also active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Elks Club through the years.
Richard is survived by his wife, Evelyn, four children: Carolyn Sprague, Patricia Wick (Robert), Robert Sprague (Katharine), Joanne Sprague; two grandchildren, Barbara Hall and Johnny Sprague, and one great grandson, Keegan Hall. Daughter Margaret Sprague Pulliam (Roy) preceded him in death.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Homer at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013.
Thomas J. Anderson
October 31, 1945 - May 7, 2013
Thomas J. Anderson, 67, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013 after a lengthy illness.
A Celebration of Tom's life will be held 4 pm Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Soldotna Bible Chapel, 300 W. Marydale in Soldotna, where Tom was a faithful worshiper.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
Tom was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on October 31, 1945.
Tom's father worked for Northwest Airlines so Tom's childhood included first grade in Japan, early education in Seattle where during junior high he met his future wife of 45 years, Lenny (Leanne).
Tom moved back to Minnesota when he was a sophomore in high school to complete his education, but maintained a long-distance relationship with Lenny and they were married in 1967.
Tom began his teaching career in Minnesota and moved to Soldotna in 1976 to teach at Soldotna Elementary School until his retirement in 1999.
Tom loved people, especially young people, and his dedication to and connection with his pupils was a reflection of this love.
Tom received a Master's Degree in Education to further his capabilities in the field he was so gifted in.
Tom made many friends with coworkers and the parents of his students he loved to teach.
Tom loved jokes and had a fantastic sense of humor, much of which he related from his own experiences and often he was the brunt of his own jokes.
Tom loved to act and sing and was involved in numerous productions on the Kenai Peninsula.
He also encouraged his students to love the Arts and directed annual productions at Soldotna Elementary with staff and students as cast.
Tom always portrayed a comical character in these productions.
Tom loved the outdoor experiences that Alaska had to offer, and cherished time with his family camping, fishing, biking and clam digging.
Tom's family always came first.
Tom was a Vietnam Veteran that proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.
Tom is survived by his wife Lenny, daughters Kari (Chris) Hudson all of Soldotna and Kelly Anderson (Mike Nails) of Anchorage, three grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Thomas, Rebekah and Jazmyne.
He is also survived by sisters Cathy (Chris) Mannick and Pam (Glenn) Nielsen both of Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice in Tom's name.
Arrangements made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory.
Ellen Christine Lyons
November 23, 1952 - March 31, 2013
Anchorage resident, Mrs. Ellen Christine (Schmid) Lyons, 60, passed away March 31, 2013, at her home in Anchorage.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Ave. in Anchorage.
Ellen was born November 23, 1952 to Frederick “Fritz” Eugene & Leona Jean (Hughes) Schmid in Corning, CA.
Ellen studied at the University of Washington and received a Bachelor of Science and had earned Magna Cum Laude in Medical Technology.
A beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend, Ellen was a role model graduating from college in her 30s.
She first moved to Alaska in 1969 and met her husband, Bruce at the airport bar at the Anchorage Airport. Bruce and Ellen married at Big Lake on August 11, 1972.
Soon thereafter, they went to California for a bit and had their children, Joanna in 1976 and Greg in 1978.
Returning in 1981, Ellen lived in Anchorage ever since.
She worked at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for 15 years.
Ellen loved to experiment and create works of art in stained glass, glass fusing, beading, painting, photography and needle point.
Her beading was sold in Homer at an art gallery.
Ellen was generous with her art and took delight in creating that “perfect” item for her friends and family.
Ellen really loved ocean waves and big redwood forests.
Her heart was always in Northern California in Mendocino with fond memories of her parents and sister.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; cousin, Laverne Love; and brother in-law, Ed Salm.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years Bruce Lyons of Anchorage, AK; son and fiancée, Greg Lyons and Ophelia Yang of Anchorage, AK; daughter and son in-law, Joanna Lyons-Antley & David Antley of Klamath Falls, OR; sister, Karen Schmid of Anchorage, AK; brother and sister in-law, Martin & Christy Schmid of Redding, CA; nephew, Tanner Schmid of Redding, CA; niece, Becky Kolb of Anderson, CA; and cousin, Danielle Love of San Diego, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made to KAKM (PBS Station) www.alaskapublic.org/kakm.
Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory.
William Reese Thomas
February 23, 1938 - April 20, 2013
Longtime Soldotna resident, Mr. William Reese Thomas, 75, died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at his home in Soldotna with his family by his side.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, 159 Marydale Drive in Soldotna.
Stake President Olaf Hartvigson will be officiating.
Mr. Thomas was born February 23, 1938 in Price, Utah.
He graduated high school and attended a year of college.
Bill served in the U.S. Army for a short while before being honorably discharged.
He lived in Anchorage when he first moved to Alaska in 1957.
After moving to Kenai he worked for the Kenai Power Company and most recently worked as an oil field worker for Chevron Oil until he retired.
Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Soldotna.
He taught Art, was a volunteer fireman and EMT and a Boy Scout Master.
Bill loved painting, wood carving and his Ham Radio.
The family wrote, “William Thomas touched the lives of all who met him.
He had a great love for the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting in the wilderness with pack horse and fishing.
He taught art at remote Alaskan Villages and his legacy continues as his painting and relief carvings are spread across the world.
After surviving cancer, he spent many years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.
He loved the Lord and he exemplified Jesus Christ’s example by spending his life in service to others.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Cora Thomas; brother, Ron Thomas and son-in-law, Dee Jay Palmer.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Pickett Thomas; daughter, Misty Palmer; son, Wade Thomas and his wife, Susan; daughter, Hillary Bergeron and her husband, Robert; granddaughter, Jessica Smith and her husband, Austin; grandsons, Jared Thomas and Chris Palmer; granddaughters, Nicole Thomas, Rachel Thomas, Kate Palmer and Amanda Bergeron; great grandson, Oliver Smith; brother, Keith Thomas.
Arrangements made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory.
