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Christopher Alan Henderson
Christopher “Chris” Alan Henderson, 37, of Wasilla, and a former resident of St. Paul and North Branch, Minn., passed away Dec. 25. He was born Jan. 15, 1971 in St. Paul, Minn., to David Alan Henderson and Joyce Marie Jensen. He graduated from North Branch High School in Minnesota.
Chris served in the U.S. Army before moving to Anchorage in 1995 where he remained until moving to Wasilla in 2002. He was an oilfield operator working on the North Slope. But his love was his involvement with the Greater Prudhoe Bay Rescue where he was a Captain and as an EMT Volunteer Firefighter with the Wasilla Fire Department where he was a Captain. Chris proudly served with Stations 52 and 61 in Wasilla.
Chris had many loves in his life, but his No. 1 love was for his sons Bailey and Joshua, all else paled in comparison. He was a loving father and loved and adored those boys. They were followed by his love for firefighting, hunting, fishing and snowmachining. He became a firefighter because he liked to help people, and as a young child, his Grandpa Floyd would read him stories about Alaska that instilled a love for Alaska. Bailey and Joshua were known to say that “Dad was fun” and he was the “Bestest Dad ever.”
Chris is survived by his sons; Bailey Alan Henderson and Joshua Alan Henderson, former wife, Melissa Elma Henderson all of Wasilla; mother, Joyce Marie Jensen (Christopher “Pops”) of Minneapolis; father, David Alan Henderson (Lori) of Anchorage; sister, Angie May Perrin (Nate), Stacy, Minn.; brothers, Mike Robert Wilcox (Katie), Isanti, Minn., Jessie LeTourneau, Jeremy LeTourneau, Ryan Henderson and Michael Henderson all of Anchorage and sister, Sarah Henderson of Anchorage as well, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Grandpa Floyd Henderson Sr.
Chris Henderson’s Childrens Memorial fFnd has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations may be made at a local branch near you.
The Central Mat-Su Fire Dept. will have a Celebration of Life for Chris at 7 p.m., at the Mat-Su Resort on Tuesday.
Viewing will be Friday at 11 a.m., until 12:45 p.m., with a funeral following at 1 p.m., at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. Burial will follow at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Valley Funeral Home-Wasilla.
Hjellen, Wasilla’s first female mayor, dies at age 92
Mrs. Elizabeth “Pat” Hjellen, 92, lifelong Alaskan died May 20 in Wasilla.
She is survived by her sisters Ann Short of California, Marie Betts of Wasilla, and six children, all living in Wasilla or Anchorage, Gerrit Hjellen (Jude), Gilbert Hjellen (Silver), Susan Brown (Dave), Alice Hjellen, Pete Hjellen (Diane), Ida McMahon (Willet), 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
What do you say about a person who has lived such a full life and touched so many in so many different ways? An era passes? Elizabeth “Pat” Hjellen was the first of four children of Gerrit “Heinie” and Alice Snider, born in Ship Creek Tent City, Nov. 7, 1916. She was the first girl baptized at the Presbyterian Church on the Park Strip, which was just completed with the help of her father and Elmer Rasmuson. She attended the first school in Wasilla. 1922 found the Snider family living in Pitman and Wasilla in need of a school. Permission was given for Wasilla to erect a small school if at least six children could be found to attend school. Only the five Olberg children could be found. It was decided Pat would stay with friends and start first grade in the first Wasilla school year even though she was only 5 at the time. The Wasilla Community Hall (now the Wasilla Museum) was completed in 1932. This new building was big enough for basketball. Pat played on the first Wasilla girl’s basketball team. This time Pat’s youngest sister, Marie, was brought up from junior high to play high school basketball. Living in a cabin near the High Grade Mine in Hatcher Pass, she graduated first in her class (of 2) in 1935. She went on to college in Fairbanks where she played basketball on an undefeated team.
Her greatest accomplishment has to be in raising a family in Wasilla. Pat and husband Al, moved back to Wasilla from Anchorage with six children in tow around 1948 into the log cabin next to the Community Hall. Pat and her sisters, Ann and Marie, were some of the first families to have telephones in Wasilla, three longs and a short. Two years later Pat moved with her family to one of the original Colonists homesteads three miles from Wasilla on the Palmer/Wasilla Highway. Here, Pat made the years at “The Farm” memorable, teaching us the importance of country (stand at attention, hand over heart, when you hear the national anthem), family (family sticks together), religion, honesty, hard work and to enjoy life. Much of it by example. On Sundays, Pat would be playing the organ in the Presbyterian Church with her six kids neatly lined up right behind her. Many nights in the winter her children would be beside the highway waiting for her to return from a long day working at Teeland’s Country store. She would tie the toboggan to the back of the car and pull them home, seeing if they could stay on. Years later Pat and her family operated the Wasilla Roadhouse. This was truly a family operation as the family did everything from pumping gas, changing linen, serving meals, cooking, cleaning, and of course, washing lots of dishes. When her kids told her they were going to run away from home, she would tell them, “as soon as you finish your chores, I will pack you a lunch.”
By now, the children were beginning to move away, establishing their own lives. In time each would be drawn back to the family in Alaska and rejoin Pat and Al at festive holiday family gatherings, Sunday’s for sourdough pancakes, and other occasions. The decibel level continued to rise as each of her children arrived. But Pat would be heard above all others.
Pat served her country, Alaska, and most of all the community of Wasilla in much the same way as she did everything in life. With dedication and a desire to see Wasilla grow and thrive. Like her father, Pat loved politics, and eventually parlayed that love to being on the first Wasilla City Council and eventually the first woman mayor of Wasilla.
Pat was also a charter member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo 11 and a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary where she served with honor in local, state and national VFW offices.
Pat and Al exemplified a dedication and love for each other and their family that is hard to put to words but you only had to be around them for a short time to feel the connection they had for each other and what they gave to their many families. Pat will certainly be missed but never forgotten.
The service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday at the Wasilla VFW. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alaska Chapter 511 or The Wasilla VFW, Post 9365.
Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.
Kenneth John Roderick
Eagle River resident Kenneth John Roderick, 58, died on Dec. 9 in Palmer. There will be no services at this time. His body will be cremated and a memorial gathering for family and friends will take place in January.
Kenny was born March 28, 1950 in New York City to Michael and Marion Roderick. He came to Alaska with his family in 1960 and was raised in Chugiak along with his brothers and sisters. Kenny later joined the Navy in 1968, were he received a Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon and a National Defense Ribbon, while serving aboard the USS Oriskany.
Kenny had an amazing sense of humor and always lived his life on the edge. He enjoyed traveling and sports. His family and friends will miss him.
Kenny is survived by his son, Kenneth Roderick Jr., daughter, Michelle Roderick both of Anchorage; brother and sister in-law Michael and Sandy Roderick of Eagle River; brother William (Billy) Roderick of Fla.; sister, Debbie Roderick of Anchorage; sister and brother in-law Irene and Joe Valinski of Fla.; sister and brother in-law Nancy and Bill Doyle of Fla.; cousin, Skip and Christie Krysak of Palmer; cousin, Janice and Mike Burton of Anchorage; aunt, Irene Moore of Anchorage; cousin, Tom and Kim Moore of Eagle River; cousin, Terry Moore of Mo.; cousin Kathy Moore of Ore.; grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Marion Roderick and daughter Christine LaRae Roderick.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.
Katherine Riddell Love
Katherine “Kay” Riddell Love, 95, was born in Portland, Ore., 1913, one of twin daughters of Clyde and Jesse Riddell. On April 4 Kay died of heart failure at Mat-Su Regional Hospital, four months before celebrating 96 years dedicated to family, work, art, adventure and to her community. A celebration of life will be held at the United Protestant Church, 713 S. Denali St., Palmer, May 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. In place of memorial donations, a silent auction of Kay’s paintings and collectibles will take place. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to organizations Kay supported.
Kay was a teenager during the Great Depression and learned to make her way against adversities. She graduated from Battle Ground High School in Washington, and Burnley School of Art in Seattle. Later in the ‘60s she attended the Art Students League of New York. She was the second Alaskan to study there after Harvey Goodale. Fred Machentanz was the third.
During World War II Kay married Sterling T. Love who was serving in the Army Air Corps. They were living in California where her son, Steven and daughter Kathy were born. After a divorce, Kay found adventurous ways to support her family. In Washington state she was a “look-out” on Three Corner Rock, where she took her children, and on Pinnacle Peak. Her duty was to watch for fires and enemy aircraft during the Cold War.
She continued to work for the Forest Service as an engineering draftsman.
In 1955 she came to Alaska to visit her brother and two years later moved to Anchorage with her children. She was employed by the Civil Aeronautics Authority which became the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).
After her children had graduated from school Kay went to New York to study art for a year. Upon her return to Anchorage she started working for the U.S. Public Health Service. As reported by the Tri Valley Cultural Arts Association she worked in many areas — general illustrations, medical drawings, architectural, still life and design. Her work was published in several medical journals. She was illustrator for “Primary Health Care in Rural Alaska.” This book became the bible for health care in clinics throughout Alaska and was placed on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institute. Kay designed the logos for the Alaska Native Corporation, and in 1971 the Anchorage Fine Arts Museum purchased her watercolor of “Community House, Gambell” for their permanent collection.
Homesteading was just another chapter in Kay’s life. During the years 1961 to 1963 she lived in a small trailer up the south fork of the Eagle River Valley while she “proved-up” the homestead she had acquired. Ten years later she moved into Rosalie Stuart’s place, known as the Whittle Shop overlooking the Matanuska and Knik valleys. In 1976 she retired from the Alaska Native Health Service to a life of volunteerism and community service.
Having lived here before statehood was declared; Kay had a great interest in preservation of history. Through the ‘80s she was active on the board of the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. For many years she served on the boards of both the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society and the Palmer Historical Society. She also served on the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Historical Preservation Commission. In addition to serving on various boards Kay has left her art for history. She created numerous logos for various non-profit organizations, as well as painting eight illustrations for the AlCan Highway ’92 project and donated them to the Tok Visitor Center.
Kay served a term as president of the Pioneers of Alaska Igloo #11. She was also a volunteer for the food bank, Friends of Family, and a volunteer advocate for the Office of Children’s Services. Remarkably, her commitment to community continued as her 96th birthday neared. She had been active in the Raise-A-Reader program through the Alaskan Association for Family and Community Education (FCE), and in 2004 a book “Mama Bear the Reader, ” which she wrote and illustrated, was published. This book was dedicated to Barbara Butcher and through FCE 20, 000 copies were given out to babies throughout Alaska. At age 95 Kay saw her second book published “Mama Bear the Reader and the Purple Honeybee.” It was dedicated to Leisa Carrick, co-pastor of the United Protestant Church of Palmer of which Kay was an active member and volunteer.
During her 30 years of volunteer service in the community, Kay received many awards of recognition and appreciation. Her most recent honors were a Proclamation from the Alaska Legislature and from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, recognizing Kay’s accomplishments and impact on her community and state. Lastly, Kay was one of the 2007 recipients of Governor Palin’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award.
Kay was preceded in death by her brother, Roger A. Riddell, sisters, Mary R. Martin, Caroline R. Sherrieb, and twin sister, Angeline R. MacKenzie.
Kay is survived by her son, Steven Love, daughter, Kathy Seim, son-in-law, Darwin Seim, grand-daughter, Kara Seim O’Ryan, grandson-in-law, Daniel O’Ryan, grandson, Olaus Seim, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla.
Raymond Puhl
Ray died on April 4 with his family at home at Big Lake after a nine-month battle with cancer.
Raymond Albert Puhl, 80, was born in Rice Lake, Wis., on Nov. 28, 1928. Ray’s family moved to Alaska in 1935 as one of the 204 families of colonists to the Matanuska Valley. Ray grew up and lived in Palmer until 1961 and then moved to Big Lake. Ray worked at Evan Jones Coal Mine from 1951 to 1968, then at the Co-op in Palmer until 1972. He worked at Fisher’s Fuel at Big Lake until retiring in 1990. After retirement, Ray continued his many industrious endeavors building rental property, gardening and fishing. Ray was a member of United Mineworkers and Teamsters.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Bethel, sons John and Tom Puhl, daughter Ruth Manual, stepsons Jerry and Tom Winchester, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Raymond A. Puhl Jr. and his brother Lloyd Puhl Sr.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hasara Family at the Cremation Society of Alaska.
Timothy Thomas
Mr. Timothy Thomas, 57, died at home April 4, 2009 in Palmer. He was born May 11, 1951 in Anchorage to Curtis and Barbara Jean MacNevan Thomas.
Tim completed his education in Phoenix, Ariz.
Tim never felt sorry for himself. He never used his polio as an excuse to get out of doing his part. Tim had a spiritual side to him that helped him to deal with life. He would do anything for anybody. Tim was a hero to all who knew him well. Tim had a crazy sense of humor. He love to swim and could swim like a fish.
Mr. Timothy Thomas is survived by his father, Curtis Raymond Thomas Jr., nephew, Randal Worsnip, nieces; Teresa Smith and Danielle Thomas. He was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Jean Thomas and his sister Barbara Lee Thomas.
Burial will be at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery at a later date and time. This information will be announced later.
Arrangements are being handled by Valley Funeral Home - Palmer.
Flo Tryck
Flo Alice Tryck, 78, died April 11 at the Providence Extended Care in Anchorage.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel in Anchorage. Her ashes will be interned at the Anchorage Cemetery.
Mrs. Tryck was born Aug. 20, 1930, in Hay Springs, Neb., to Harold and Frances (Cowan) Dinkel.
She and her family came to Alaska in 1937 as the Matanuska Valley colonists. Flo attended school in Wasilla and graduated high school in 1949 as the only student of the graduating class.
Mrs. Tryck was a past president of Pioneers of Alaska Auxiliary 15 and Queen Regent in 1986, a member of the Sons of Norway for 54 years, serving as the “Sunshine Lady” for many years. She served as a 4-H Club leader for 36 years. She attend 4-H Club Congress in Chicago 1947. She worked noon duty at Denali Elementary School for 36 years.
Flo loved to garden, cook, sew and do handwork. She taught Hardanger needlepoint classes for several years.
Flo and Bill Tryck were married for 59 years. They were the first couple to be married by the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, June 5, 1949.
Survivors are her husband William Oscar Tryck; children, William E. and Susan Tryck, Lucretia A. and Mark Teitzel, Donna J. and Andy Johnson; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alaska Manor Foundation; 1521 W. 14th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501 or First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla Dinkel scholarship fund.
Donald E. Munday
Mr. Donald E. Munday, 66, died March 18 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer. He was born in Evansville, Ind., to Ralph and Gertrude Munday on Jan. 31, 1943. Donald completed his education and became a mechanic working in the mining industry.
In 2004 he left Winslow, Ind., to follow the love of his life, Mary Dietz to Alaska. Donald always regretted that due to health concerns he was unable to get out and experience Alaska as he would have liked. Donald was a member of the NRA, and avid Palin supporter and had enjoyed his affiliation with the American Legion.
Mr. Munday is survived by Mary Dietz, of Wasilla; son, Donald Munday of Indianapolis, Ind.; daughters, Connie Jo Munday of Oakland City, Ind., step-daughters; Donna Conway of Wasilla and Nicole Chambers of Elko, Nevada; grandchildren, Jennika and Jessica Conway, Amanda Conway all of Wasilla, Alexis Tiner and Britney Tiner of Elko and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gertrude Munday, brother Charles Munday and an infant sister.
Donald was taken to Boonville, Ind., for burial. His service was held March 24 with burial in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville.
Local arrangements were handled by Valley Funeral Home - Wasilla.
Howard Bethel Johnson
Howard Bethel Johnson, 81, died peacefully in Wasilla on the morning of April 2. He was born Oct. 23, 1927 in Harrisburg, Ill., the first child of Freeman and Amanda Johnson. He grew up and attended schools in Pontiac, Mich.
He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served in the last days of WWII. After the war he returned to Pontiac and worked as a test track mechanic for General Motors. In 1958 he came to Alaska and worked as an automobile mechanic in both Fairbanks and in Anchorage. He operated and worked for various service stations in Anchorage for a number of years. In 1974 Howard and Jim Clement opened Harbor Marine in Seward. Until the late ‘80s he was the Alaska dealer for several lines of boats including Chris Craft. He maintained a store at the small boat harbor in Seward during the summers and a sales office in Anchorage during the winters. He lived in Anchorage until 2005 when he made his home in Wasilla.
He is survived by his wife Grace, his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Laura Johnson of Thompsonville, Ill., his son and daughter-in-law Gary and Marcia Johnson of Greenville, S.C., his son Larry Johnson of Kodiak, his son and daughter-in-law Terry and Paulette Johnson of Eagle River, his daughter and son-in-law Kate and Glenn Kuper of Sumner, Wash., his son Mark Johnson of Wasilla, his grandchildren, Katie Anderson of Camden, S.C., David Johnson of Charleston, S.C., Jason Johnson, Sherry Johnson and Christy Johnson of Anchorage, Reagan Johnson of Wasilla, Kyle and Nora Kuper of Sumner, Wash., and great-grandchildren Whitney and Sally Elizabeth Anderson of Camden, S.C., and Jaidon Johnson of Anchorage.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on April 18 at St. David’s Episcopal Church at Mile 2.2 of Wasilla Fishhook Road in Wasilla. All who knew Howard are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Resource Agency, P.O. Box 4406, Palmer, AK, 99645 or to Fellowship in Serving Humanity (FISH), P.O. Box 111443, Anchorage, AK, 99511.
Arrangements are being handled by Valley Funeral Home - Wasilla.
