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Margaret Barenz
Eagle River resident Margaret Barenz, 81, died in her sleep Nov. 14, 2011.
A celebration of life is at 4 p.m., Nov. 27 at the Kings Way Assembly of God, 10336 Eagle River Loop Road in Eagle River. Friends and family are encouraged to bring a platter of finger foods for a potluck celebration. For more information on the celebration of life, contact Taylor Aho at (907) 444-6146 or (907) 696-3238.
Margaret was born April 3, 1930, in Marshall County, Ind., to Harry and Lily Haines. She moved to Alaska in 1960 and spent time living in Fairbanks, Nome, Valdez, Tok, Anchorage and Eagle River. She was a devoted housewife to Ralph and mother to Taylor and Herman. Marge enjoyed raising money for her church and helping the less fortunate.
Her husband, Ralph, wrote these touching words about Marge: “My bride, my wife, my partner, my heart, my soul, my life, my friend, I love you and miss you. Together now and through eternity you have been everything to me and we will meet again.”
Margaret’s daughter Taylor wrote, “My mom, my comfort, my guardian, I will love and miss you forever until we are together again in heaven.”
The McLaughlin family sends these sentiments, “She was a very nice lady. She will be truly missed and very much loved by everyone. Grandma was a very ornery person; she loved to tell people how she felt about things. Grandma was a very strong person that we will love always.”
Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Evelyn Moore; and two infant sons.
Surviving are her husband, Ralph L. Barenz and daughter, Taylor Aho of Eagle River; son, Herman Pflueger of Colorado; grandsons, Ralph L. Barenz II of Wasilla, Robert PJ Barenz of Milford, Ohio, and Jonathan Aho of Eagle River; granddaughters, Sylvia Bates-Melland of Big Lake, Samantha Bates-McDonald of Sheridan, Ariz., Charlie “CC” Gilman of Eagle River and Cerrena Gilman of Hershey, Pa.; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were by Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.
Jerry Allen Groth
Jerry Allen Groth, 61, died on Nov. 21, 2011, with his son, Shane, and grandson, Reed, at his side. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He was born Aug. 5, 1950, in Northwood, N.D., the son of Lewis and Florence (Erickson) Groth.
Jerry worked for the Stromberg Carlson Telephone Company from 1970-74. He moved to Alaska in 1974 and worked for the Sitka Telephone Company from 1974-76 before moving to the Mat-Su Valley to work for MTA from 1976-98. Jerry then worked for Alcan Electric from 1998 to 2001 before his retirement in 2006 from City Electric. He was a member of IBEW Local 1547 and NECA, and belonged to the Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Jaycees and was awarded the supervisor of the year honor when he worked for MTA.
A celebration of life gathering for family and friends is at the Mug-Shot Saloon at 2 p.m., Dec. 3 with a potluck to follow.
Jerry enjoyed playing golf, football, basketball and snowmobiling.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Groth of Wasilla; daughter, Mary Groth Grubbs and her husband Rhame of Fairbanks; son, Shane Groth and his wife Penny of Palmer; stepson, Thomas Fidler and his wife Colleen of Palmer; grandchildren, Jordan Derrick of Grand Forks, N.D., Reed Derrick of Palmer, Jason and Grace Serrano of Wasilla, Cannon and Sierra Fidler of Palmer, and Tristen and Axel Oden Groth of Palmer; brother, Gail Groth and his wife Judy of Longview, Wash.; sisters, Diane Tufte of Plymouth, Minn., and Linda Amundson of Richfield, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Lewis and Florence Groth.
Jerry was a quiet man with a great sense of humor; he was non-judgmental and helpful to all. His last few years were hard and painful, but he always had a gentle smile for visitors.
Jerry’s children remember him as a younger man, a stronger man who loved the outdoors, accepting all Mother Nature had to offer — a Jerry vibrant in the sunshine, holding a canteen, building a campfire and getting the wood-fired hot tub stoked.
Family and friends will remember Jerry as a man who enjoyed life, valued family, worked hard, earned others’ respect, led by example and was both just and fair. He was a good man who was honest to all and loyal to those deserving. He didn’t always have a lot to say, but when he did those who knew him would say it was worth hearing.
“Jerry, on this day we all wish you a safe and quick journey by way of Odin’s Valkyries to your honored place in Valhalla, where you will feast every night to the end of days, cheering for those Vikings to prevail, ” his family said.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered he would always say that, “I worked hard and I played hard.”
Jerry’s wishes would be for no flowers to be sent on his behalf, but that a donation to any animal rescue or shelter would be money well spent.
Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory Wasilla cared for the family.
George Glenn Inga
Wasilla resident George Glenn Inga, 54, died at his home on Nov. 22, 2011.
Funeral services honoring George are at noon, Dec. 1 at St. Innocent Cathedral, 401 Turpin St. in Anchorage, with Father John Zabinko officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services. George will be buried at Anchorage Memorial Park following the service.
George was born Feb. 15, 1957, in Anchorage to Nick and Gladys (Azuyak) Inga.
After high school, George served his country in the Alaska Army National Guard — 5th Battalion 3rd Platoon. George worked at Leroy’s Restaurant as a cook. When he lived in Old Harbor on Kodiak Island, George worked for Kodiak Cab Company and also was a commercial fisherman. George was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The family wrote, “Sonny was a gentle person who would help anybody in need. He loved his family and friends. He was always excited to see or talk to his niece, Dawn Marie, and always enjoyed hanging out with family. He was the type of person who would give you his last dollar, or even just a hug if you needed it. He was always happy and made everyone around him have a good time and laugh.”
Surviving are brother, Nick Ingra Jr. of Wasilla; niece, Dawn M. Gonzales of Palmer; niece, MaryAnn Clark of Selawik; and many more aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Nick Sr. and Gladys Inga.
Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.
Millard W. “Will” Wilson
Millard W. “Will” Wilson, 85, a former longtime resident of Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, died at his home at Sun Valley, Nev., Nov. 8, 2011, surrounded by his loving wife and other family members.
He was born in Tennessee on Nov. 7, 1926, the son of the late Carrie and Thomas Wilson.
He married the love of his life, Clara E. “Betty” Wilson of Healdsburg, Calif. in 1956. The couple remained in Sonoma County, Calif., until 1971, when they relocated, along with their five children, to the great state of Alaska, where he resided until 2008 before moving to Sun Valley.
Will was employed as a civil servant electrician at Fort Wainwright military base until his retirement in 1988. In his retirement, Will enjoyed fishing and traveling around Alaska with his wife, Betty, in their motor home, as well as frequent trips to the Lower 48 to visit relatives and loved ones. His family and all who knew him will remember him lovingly.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Clara E. “Betty” Wilson, of Sun Valley; son, James of Hawaii; daughter, Donna Mittler (Daniel) of New York; son, William of Georgia; son, Bradford (Debbie) of Anchorage; and daughter, Rebecca of Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Rudolph Wilson; and sisters, Katherine Regas, Tommie Peyer and Candy Rodriguez. Many nieces and nephews who also survive him.
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Alpha Piexoto and Annabelle Kondrasiewicz; and brother, Norris.
The family is planning a private memorial service in Wilson’s beloved state of Alaska.
Terry D. Wright
Terry D. Wright, 55, died Nov. 26, 2011.
A celebration of life is Dec. 3 at Faith Bible Fellowship on Hollywood Road in Big Lake.
Terry was born on Aug. 11, 1956, in Hazel Crest, Ill., to William and Peggy Wright. Terry was raised in Section, Ala., where he also raised his two sons. He helped coach Little League baseball and also umpired. He was a Methodist preacher at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Fort Payne, Ala. He moved to Wasilla on May 24 to work for Builders Choice.
Surviving are his wife, Dorinda; brother, Timothy; sons, Jeffery and Matthew Wright and his wife Amber; and granddaughters, Jillian and Presley.
Proceeding him in death were his father, William; mother, Peggy; and brother, Bill Wright.
He was a gentle and caring man who loved to spread the word of Christ and touched many lives. He loved playing the guitar, reading the Bible and building model ships. He had a great sense of humor that made people smile. He was a wonderful husband and father. His family says he never met an enemy and always left a friend.
“Terry, we love you and you will be dearly missed, ” his friends and family wrote.
Terry asked in lieu of flowers to make donations to St. Jude Hospital.
Leonard Leroy Grove
Wasilla resident Leonard Leroy Grove, 70, died Nov. 27, 2011, in Wasilla.
No services are scheduled. The family invites friends and family to participate in a pink balloon release, wherever you feel appropriate, at noon, Dec. 3 in honor of Leonard.
Leonard was born Sept. 18, 1941, in Day, Calif., to Merrill John Grove and Dorothy (Oilar) Scholl.
Leonard moved to Alaska in 1997 and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Leonard had worked for Halliburton and Louisiana Pacific. He was also a member of and believer in AA.
The family wrote: “Dad was a man who loved the laughter of life. He had a story for almost every setting.
“He loved to be the jokester and bring smiles to the people around him. When he gave you his word no contract was needed. He never shied away from work and always gave it his all. If you needed a shirt, he would give you the shirt off his back and then buy you an extra one. He loved family, friends and all types of celebrations — and anything that included the color pink. So celebrate his life by giving and sharing love with those around you.”
Leonard’s favorite saying was, “live life on life’s terms — don’t take life too seriously.”
Leonard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Merrill J. and Laura Grove; granddaughter, Merilyn J. Grove; grandson, Christian L. Grove; brother, Virgil D. Grove; sister, Marvella D. Webster; mother, Dorothy P. Scholl; nieces, Leah, Dorothy, Amanda, Rayna, Janette, Anne and Dallas; nephews, Steve and Lucas; 23 great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Norman D. Grove; and his father, Merrill J. Grove.
Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.
Melvin Nelson Barry
Melvin Barry, 89, died at home in Anchorage on Nov. 24, 2011.
He was born April 25, 1922, in Oconto, Wis., to Earl Barry and Louise Verboncoeur Barry. His family owned a general store in Oconto, but it was closed during the Depression.
In 1935, the family was accepted for the Matanuska Valley agricultural colony, and moved to Palmer. Following graduation from high school in 1940, he worked in the construction of Fort Richardson. He spent one summer at Bristol Bay working on the “monkey boat, ” a motorized vessel that helped sailboats return to port. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and worked as an electrician until his retirement. He was a foreman in Anchorage and in may parts of Alaska, and also trained and guided apprentices. After his retirement, he and his brothers, Francis and Paul, engaged in mining operations.
He entered the Army during World War II and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and northern Italy. He served as a foreman electrician and taught classes for military personnel.
A special interest was working with pinball machines and jukeboxes. He and his partner, Dick Benson, maintained this service to the roadhouses on the highways between Palmer and Fairbanks, and in the Copper River area for several years. He also liked to fish and hunt.
He married Mary Jane Paulsteiner of Seward in September 1951. They planned to celebrate their 60th anniversary in Hawaii, but the onset of his illness prevented it.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Jane Barry of Anchorage; sons, Ronald Barry of Fairbanks and Richard Barry of California; daughter-in-law Sarah Garland; grandchildren, Eli Barry-Garland and Maura Barry-Garland, all of Fairbanks; brother, Paul Barry and sister-in-law Beverly Barry of Palmer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass is at 7 p.m., Dec. 9 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Palmer.
Christoffer Cruz Inman
Big Lake resident Christoffer Cruz Inman, 24, died Dec. 16, 2011.
Chris, as he was known to family and friends, was born Dec. 25, 1986, in Anchorage. This Christmas would have been his golden birthday 25 on the 25th. He was so looking forward to that, and his family said he was a great person who will be fondly remembered as a loving father, son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend who touched many people in many ways. He had a kind heart and was always helping others.
A viewing for family and friends is from 3 to 6 p.m., Dec. 29 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check St. in Wasilla with a celebration of life service at 6 p.m., at the funeral home.
Chris enjoyed driving anything with a throttle, which included motorcycles, snowmachines, hot rods and buggies. He also liked fixing cars and owned and operated his own business, Cruz in Auto and Tire, where he loved helping people fix their cars.
Chris is survived by his father, Mark; his mothers, Lisa and Debra; sisters, Stephanie and little Deb; brother, Mikey; daughter, Mykayla; nephews, Cameron and Devan; grandparents, Carol and Charlie, and Dale and Jeannie; his dog, Buddy Love; and also in his heart was Noah. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
"He is free now and will always be missed and loved by his family and friends he made along his life's journey, " the family wrote. "Happy birthday to you our son, brother, grandson and nephew."
Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla cared for the family.
