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DUANE E. BUTCHER
Palmer resident Duane Eugene Butcher, 78, died at home Sept. 9, 2010, of pancreatic cancer and surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 18 at 3161 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway in Wasilla.
Duane was born in Billings, Mont., to Marvin and Kathryn Butcher. He served in the Army as a combat engineer, including active service in Korea, where he got his GED.
Duane married Mary Shoebotham and had two children. After their divorce, he married Darlene Schmitz in Livingston, Mont., on Oct. 6, 1961, and based his life in Gardner, Mont., where he continued with his construction career in Local 400 throughout the state. Together they had four children.
He then followed his dream to Alaska, where he continued working construction in Local 302 and helped build the Alaska Pipeline. He later retired from work at the Valdez Creek Mine.
Duane’s favorite activities were always outdoors: hunting, fishing, snowmachining and four-wheeling. Being captain of the fishing boat Joy II harbored in Valdez, he was proud to take his family and friends out to catch their limits, his family said.
“Duane was a generous, good-hearted man with a little-boy smile who lived his life with grit and determination, ” his family wrote. “If one was teased with his mischievous humor, pushed by his determination or felt his sand-paper grit, they knew they were loved.
“Fish on, grandpa, fish on, ” the family wrote.
Duane is survived by his wife of 48 years, Darlene; brothers, Don and James; sister, Darlene; children Gary (Robin) Butcher, Jody (Robin) Hood, Robert (Kate) Butcher, Tammy (Richard) Robertson, Debbie (Doug) McWilliams and Ray (Dara) Butcher; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska, alaskacremation.com. The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts that a donation be made in Duane’s name to Wells Fargo Account No. 7428191055, which will be given to The American Cancer Society.
BILLY L. FIKES
Billy LaVoyce Fikes, 81, Big Lake, died Sept. 10, 2010 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage.
A memorial is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday Sept. 19 at VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla, with post chaplain Alex Kraft officiating.
Interment with military honors is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 20 at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Pallbearers are Billy Fikes Jr., Lewis Fikes, William Fikes, Zeb Kraft, John Fee and James Fee. Honorary pallbearers are MSgt. Douglas E. Patch (USAF/Ret.), Corp. Nicholas M. Kraft, USMC, Alex Kraft, Tracy Kraft, Benjamin Kraft, Mark Hegener, Jody Hegener Cate, Christopher Hegener, Michael Hegener and Shawn Skiles.
Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 12, 1946 and served until Aug. 31, 1966 when he retired in Alaska and was honorably discharged at Ft. Lewis, Wash. He was a veteran of the occupation forces in Japan and the Korean Military Advisory Group, and saw combat with the Second Infantry Division in the Korean War. He retired as a Specialist 7.
Following his military career, he worked as a computer programmer/systems analyst for the Alaska Railroad, Aerojet General (Sacramento, Calif.), and Bonneville Power Administration (Portland, Ore.). In 1974 he joined the staff of Data Center Corp., (Los Angeles) and progressed to vice president before retiring in 1980. Following his retirement, the family moved to Tonasket, Wash., where they built a home and Bill enjoyed the cowboy life until returning to Alaska in 1988.
Billy was active in veterans’ organizations and was a life member of VFW Post 9365, Wasilla; a life member of AmVets Post 11, Wasilla; a member and past post chaplain of American Legion Post 35, Wasilla, and a member of “40 et 8” Locale 816.
He was a pioneer in the field of computer sciences and as an avid reader of science fiction helped turn those fantasies into reality through his work with the air and space industry and the early days of computer communications in the Army Signal Corps, his family wrote. “Billy enjoyed traveling, and both during and after his military career he and his wife, Virginia, traveled the world, sharing their love of fishing, prospecting for gold, and exploring each road less traveled that life presented them, always making sure that road led back to the family and places they loved so much.”
Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Virginia Ellen Burke Fikes (1935-2008), parents Marion Monroe Fikes and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Collins Fikes, four brothers and one sister.
He is survived by five children: Helen Hegener, Palmer; Billy L. Fikes Jr., Meadow Lakes; Susan Patch, Deer Park, Wash.; Lewis M. Fikes, Big Lake; and Sandra Fikes, Big Lake. There are also numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.
Mary Evelyn Harvey
Wasilla pioneer Mary Evelyn Harvey, 89, died in her sleep following a heart attack Sept. 13, 2010, in Salem, Ore.
She was born March 11, 1921, to Kenneth and Lydia Adams in Trenton, Mo. Her family moved to California in the 1930s, where she graduated from Montebello High School. She then attended and graduated from Pacific Bible Seminary in Long Beach, Calif., where she met Wenter Harvey.
After graduating, they married in December 1940, and in 1945 moved to Wasilla as missionaries.
They started the first church in Wasilla, the Wasilla Christian Church, which celebrated its 65th anniversary this summer, and she was invited to attend the celebration. The new church building is on Knik-Goose Bay Road. She and Wenter also built and established the Cottonwood Christian Camp, which hosted summer camps for all Christian churches in Alaska for almost 20 years.
They also built their home, which still stands on Knik-Goose Bay Road in Wasilla. Wenter and Mary dug that well by hand — 40 feet. Their first church building was the white first school house, which now sits in a cluster of historic buildings in downtown Wasilla near the Dorothy Page Museum. They also held Easter breakfasts for all Wasilla residents in the community hall, now named the Dorothy G. Page Museum. They built their second church building, which is now Totem Rentals in Wasilla.
Mary taught school in Wasilla and attended Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage, receiving her master’s degree. The couple served in Wasilla for almost 20 years, then moved to Oregon in 1965, where Mary taught school until she was 83. They then moved to Turner Retirement Homes, where they resided until their deaths.
Mary will be remembered for her care, compassion, boundless energy and her sweet disposition. She adored children and it fed her soul to see them succeed and become successful. When she retired, Mary was teaching some of the children of her former first-grade students. She wrote children’s books and also wrote “Alaska Calls, ” a biography of their service in Wasilla, which is in the Wasilla Library.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Donna Smith of Corvallis, Ore.; son Ken (Nancy) Harvey of Eugene, Ore. She’s also survived by two sisters, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, numerous cousins and a host of friends who will miss her caring attitude and effervescent sense of humor. She was so blessed to see many in the Valley during visits the past two summers.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested gifts in her memory be sent to Kulpahar Kids Home in India — P.O. Box 2424, Glendale, AZ — a children’s home for orphans run by two of her college girlfriends. Memorial contributions can also be made to Hosea Youth Services, P.O. Box 1401, Eugene, Ore., a homeless ministry and shelter run by her son, Ken Harvey.
PATRICIA A. COTTRELL
Wasilla resident Patricia Ann Cottrell died at home Sept. 14, 2010.
Trish was born Nov. 29, 1981 in San Diego, Calif., and moved to Alaska with her family in 1986. She attended Pioneer Peak Elementary, and Colony Middle and High schools, graduating in 2000.
Trish had many obstacles in her life, but was always willing to help anyone who needed it. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held several callings within the church.
Trish is survived by her siblings, Harry Cottrell in Louisiana, Robert (Susanne) Cottrell in Utah, Shirley Cottrell in Arizona, Lori (Dale) Brightman in New Mexico, Judi (Paul) Mainville in Louisiana and Michelle (Jason) Bowman in Alaska; nieces and nephews, Cameron and Chelsea, Skyler, Dustin, Eric, Allanah, Jonathon, Nick, Tori and Hailey; and a very large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Linda Cottrell; a brother, Bill Cottrell; maternal grandfather, William Campbell; and paternal grandparents, James and Harriette Cottrell.
There will be a memorial at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the LDS chapel in Palmer with Bishop Pace officiating.
Arrangements are by Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.
Riley Wheaton
Riley Marei Wheaton, 8 months, died at her family home in Wasilla on Sept. 22, 2010. She was born Jan. 22, 2010, to Kimberly Jones of Wasilla and Dennis Wheaton of Anchorage.
A private celebration of life service will be held in her honor.
“We were blessed by God with the beauty and joy of Riley for eight wonderful months and are still blessed with the presence of her twin sister, Raegan, ” the family stated. “We don’t know why God took her, but he gave us the joy of having her for the short, beautiful time she was with us. She is now in Heaven and one day we will join her once again. She brought us so much love and happiness and she will forever be in our hearts. Riley, you are so very missed; we love you, baby girl.”
Riley is survived by her mother, Kimberly Jones of Wasilla; father, Dennis Wheaton of Anchorage; grandmother, Robin Veytia of Wasilla; grandfather, Ernest Barndt of Wasilla; sister, Raegan Wheaton of Wasilla; grandparents, Michael and Linda Dodge of Nikiski; great-grandmother, MaryAnn Dodge of Willow; great-grandmother, Judy Hicks of Wasilla; great-grandfather, Ron Rowland of Eagle River, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by Robert Dodge, Clara Wheaton, Lurie Allen and Kathryn Rice.
A memorial fund has been established in honor of Riley M. Wheaton, the 8 month old twin who passed away last week. Blessings, donations and prayers can be sent to Raegan, her surviving twin sister, 205 E. Dimond Blvd, PMB 603, Anchorage, AK 99515.
Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.
Robert Arnold Williams
Longtime Alaskan Robert Arnold Williams, 84, died peacefully Oct. 2, 2010, surrounded by family at St. Elias Specialty Hospital in Anchorage.
Robert fought a battle with lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension bravely to the end, the family wrote.
Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, with the Rev. Jonathan Rockey officiating. A visitation is at 2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery followed by a church reception. Pallbearers will be Bob Williams, David Williams, Lance Swick, Ken Kelpe, Jason Collins, Kevin Williams and Alex McDowell.
Robert was born July 3, 1926, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to William and Eva Williams. One of five children, he grew up on the family farm and attended school in Gibbons, Alberta. At age 17 he joined the Canadian Navy and served in World War II.
Robert’s sense of adventure and love of logging brought him to Alaska in 1949. He started a one-man logging and sawmill operation in the Butte near Palmer and made logging his livelihood for more than 35 years. He also volunteered as a Butte firefighter for many years.
In 1959, Robert married his childhood Valentine and friend, Phyllis C. Williams. Together they enjoyed haying on their homestead near Wasilla, commercial fishing out of Seldovia and building two log homes from their own logs.
“Robert Williams has lived by example, ” his family wrote. “In everything he did he was generous, kind, honest, loyal, respectful, humble and patient. He felt blessed in his marriage to Phyllis Williams and they happily celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Sept. 14. Through his loving marriage he developed his deep Christian faith that was so important to him. Recently, he reflected on his years as a logger. He loved to work. One of his fondest memories was seeing a large load of logs on his truck at the end of the day and knowing that he had accomplished it.”
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan Alward and Grace Williams; and brothers, Bill and Jim Williams, all of Alberta.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Williams; sons, Bob (Connie) Williams and David (Cheryl) Williams; daughter, Carla (Lance) Swick; nieces and nephews, Cynthia and Jason Collins, and Ken and Nicole Kelpe; grandchildren, Kevin and Cassidy Williams, and Alex and Kimberly McDowell; and many other Canadian relatives and friends.
The Williams family would like to thank Dr. Bilal Chaudhry for giving Robert hope with his “full-court press” treatment plan and Dr. Terry Lester and the staff at St. Elias Specialty Hospital for their exceptional health care and compassion. The Williams family is grateful for Robert’s quality of life and the extra time they were given to share memories, reflect and play their favorite card game, canasta. St. Elias was Robert’s “heaven on earth.”
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 774, 440 Elmwood, Palmer, AK 99645. Arrangements are entrusted to Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.
Nels Hitchcock
Lifetime Alaska resident Nels Hitchcock, 66, died at his residence in Caribou Creek on March 19, 2010, from complications arising from a valiant fight with cancer.
A celebration of life and potluck will be held Saturday at the Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 114 Glenn Highway.
Mr. Hitchcock was born in Palmer to Benson and Katherine Hitchcock on Nov. 21, 1943. He attended Lathrop High School in Fairbanks and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
He is survived by life partner Deborah Brogi of Sheep Mountain; daughters, Josie Straka and Amy Kester, both of Washington; son, Jason Hitchcock of Washington; grandsons, Cameron Straka, Douglas Kester and A.J. Kester of Washington; brother and sister-in-law, Jim Hitchcock and Beatrice Coffee Hitchcock, both of Palmer; aunt, Helen Womack, Fairbanks; cousins, Sandra Coutline, Alene Spurgin and Pamela Hoch, all of Fairbanks; Susanne Strisik of Anchorage; nieces, Christina Linebrook of California and Elisa Hitchcock of Anchorage.
He was preceded in death by his parents. The family asks that in lieu of flowers and in Nels’ memory that people lend their support to reason and understanding. Arrangements were made through Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.
MONTY CHARLES HART
Memorial services for Palmer resident Monty Charles Hart, 66, will be on Saturday at 3 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer with Rev. Jonathan Rockey officiating.
Monty died March 30, 2010, at Providence Alaska Medical Center of natural causes. He was born Feb. 29, 1944, in Yakima, Wash. He worked in the family grocery business in Washington from 1962 to 1967. He came to Alaska in 1967 and worked for various grocery stores in Anchorage from 1967 to 1974. He then worked at Barnhardts Mall in Palmer from 1974 to 1980. From 1980 to 1994 he worked for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and retired from there in 1994.
He belonged to St. JohnsLutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. According to his family, “Monty loved the great outdoors, especially his cabin at Ravine Lake. He liked nothing better than to have the whole family gathered there and watch the grandchildren catch fish.”
Monty was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Agnes Hart; brothers Ward and Doug Hart; his son, William Hart; and his grandson, Brandon Dallmann.
Monty is survived by his wife, Ophie Hart of Palmer; four daughters and sons-in-law, Mona and Sam Stroud and Jill and Patrick Monroe, all of Palmer, and Jan Hart and Kish Clausen of Portland, Ore.; grandsons, Andy and Adam Stroud and Connor Monroe, all of Palmer; granddaughter, Alyssa Dallmann of Palmer; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kaelie, Trinity, Allie and Abby, all of Palmer.
Monty’s ashes will be scattered in the Jim Creek and Pioneer Peak area.
Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla Chapel.
Richard Micheal Schiesl
Richard Schiesl was born to Mary and Jack Schiesl in Kenosha, Wis., on June 19, 1954, followed his mother Mary in death on March 22, 2010.
He is survived by father Jack Schiesl; brothers Dave, Greg, Mark and little brother Terry of “The Birch Creek Boys;” niece Jessica and nephew Chase; and numerous cousins. He is also survived by significant other Betsy Heilman and best friend Bubbha the “King.”
Rick moved to Mt. Hull in Washington in 1988 and traveled to Alaska in 1992 to stay. He was an independent fishing and hunting guide from Valdez to the Brooks Range.
Rick was also known for caretaking the historic Denali Fairview Inn for almost 10 years and rebuilding the West Rib Pub after a fire. He built the handicap trails in Sourdough and also the handicap access for Thompson Pass. Rick and brother Terry planted millions of trees on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington, as well as providing firewood for people on energy assistance.
He loved to walleye fish under the Grand Cooley Dam, worked as an apple picker and fought fires as a volunteer firefighter in Washington state. He received several certificates for his generous support of The Wilderness Woman Contest and Bachelor Auction in Talkeetna. He was awarded for Community Service Award for the Talkeetna Village Park Enhancement Project.
He communed with all the animals of the world and spent time in most all our national parks. He grew many gardens and ate off the land.
Rick was authentic, resourceful and very artistic. He lived fully every day and up until the very end. Rick passed away peacefully with family present. Truly a one-of-a-kind human being.
There will be a celebration of life at the Denali Fairview Inn on Sunday at 2 p.m.
