Carolyn D. Breedlove

Jun 8, 1932 -

May 5, 2026

Carolyn Doolittle Breedlove was born in Athens, Ga., on June 8, 1932, to Hubert Atkins Doolittle and Valeria Montyne Doolittle. She grew up in Athens, graduated from Athens High School and then attended business school there.

Carolyn lived in Athens until 1952, when she married the love of her life, Bailey O'Neal Breedlove, and they moved to Tampa, Fla.

After a short time they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and remained there until 1962. They relocated to Durham, N.C., for two years and then moved to McLean, Va. In 1967, they made a bold move north to Anchorage, Alaska. Carolyn, a transplanted Georgia "peach," spent the remaining 59 years of her earthly life in Anchorage. On the morning of May 5, 2026, Carolyn passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord God and her new home in Heaven.

Carolyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She passionately loved her family, who were blessed by her love, dedication and care.

In addition to loving and serving her family, Carolyn also had a 20-year career as a civil employee with the United States Army. The majority of this career was with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, where Carolyn served as the Administrative Assistant for five different Commanding Colonels. After retiring, she volunteered part-time at Providence Hospital for eight years in the surgery waiting area.

Carolyn was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her life was an awesome testimony to the love and kindness and grace of Jesus flowing through her to others. She was always a faithful part of a church community, attending Grandview Baptist Church, Anchorage Vineyard Church and Mountain Coast Vineyard Church over the years.

She was known for her beautiful, loving smile. Even to the very end of her life, she was always smiling and conveying love and warmth and joy to all around her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Bailey O. Breedlove. In addition, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Aubrey (Elizabeth) Doolittle; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Ann Doolittle (Charles) Alcorn, Betty Doolittle (Sam) Jones and Margaret Doolittle (Clyde Weyman) Hanson.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela (Roger) Schoeniger and Donna (Richard) Hart; grandchildren and their spouses, Roger Thomas (Theresa) Schoeniger, Diana (Daniel) Motz, Matthew (Erin) Raske, Tyler (Melissa) Hart and Nick Hart; great-grandchildren, Bailey Skinner, Alexis Skinner, Ivy Schoeniger, Rebekah Raske, Isaac Raske, Hannah Raske, Aliza Raske and Griffin Hart; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service for Carolyn will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Alliance Bible Church, 941 E. Dowling Road, Anchorage, AK 99518.

Carolyn will be buried next to her husband at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. A short graveside service will be held with family present.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Coast Vineyard Church.

Myrna Jean Curran

Dec 9, 1939 -

May 11, 2026

Myrna Jean Curran passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 86 years. Myrna was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Dec. 9, 1939, to mother Emma Pedley Piekarski and father Martin Piekarski.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna Stuhr; brother, Kenneth Piekarski; and son, Kelly Piekarski.

Myrna moved to Alaska in 1974, where she worked as a bartender and developed many lasting and deep friendships. She also learned wallpapering and turned it into a thriving business. An avid golfer, she won the state championship for her "flight." Other interests included playing cards, as well as word games like Scrabble and crosswords, rooting for the Seahawks and her love of cooking. She and her husband Bear, in recent years, enjoyed becoming snowbirds, and spending the cooler months in Surprise, Ariz.

She leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Bear David Curran; along with her sister, Jean Nelson; and son, Russell Piekarski.

Lewis Edward Dickinson

Nov 29, 1931 -

Apr 30, 2026

Lewis Edward Dickinson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, engineer, pilot, adventurer, philanthropist and longtime Alaskan, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born on Nov. 29, 1931, in Bismarck, N.D., to Reverend Lewis and Blanche Dickinson, Lew grew up during the Depression years living in several small North Dakota towns as his father served Methodist churches.

Inspired by books about the Arctic, he declared at age 12 that he would someday move to Alaska, become an engineer, learn to fly and live on a lake. Despite humble beginnings without running water or modern conveniences, Lew's determination never wavered. He worked on farms throughout his youth, milking cows, hauling grain, driving heavy equipment and delivering newspapers. Those early experiences shaped the strong work ethic and resilience that guided him throughout life.

Lew attended Greenville College in Illinois before earning his civil engineering degree from the University of Washington in 1954. While putting himself through school, he worked a variety of jobs, including loading railcars and assisting with Boeing B-52 wind tunnel testing. His dream of living in Alaska became reality when he traveled to Fairbanks for engineering work with R.W. Beck and Associates. In 1956, after serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Richardson, he earned his pilot's license in five weeks under the GI Bill.

In 1955, Lew met Jacqueline Flachbarth at a picnic in Anchorage, Alaska, and often referred to her as "this good-looking girl." They married on Feb. 24, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 63 years and was filled with adventure, family and shared accomplishments.

Lew built an extraordinary professional career in Alaska. He worked at the City of Anchorage as a civil engineer. In 1962, he co-founded Dickinson and Oswald Consulting Engineers, later known as DOWL Engineers, a company that helped shape modern Anchorage, particularly during reconstruction following the 1964 earthquake. Lew retired from DOWL in 1987, but remained active in development and business ventures with Anchorage Sand & Gravel and Rock Partners.

Lew also embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He hunted polar bears and walrus in the Arctic, piloted small planes across North America, climbed mountains in Nepal, floated the Yukon River and the Grand Canyon, traveled the world with Jackie and spent countless days in Alaska fishing, skiing, hunting and gold mining.

Lew and Jackie built three homes together and, in 1969, Lew fulfilled his childhood dream by building their family home on Campbell Lake, where they raised their children, Luke and Jenny. Later in life, they split their time between their cabin in Seldovia and Kona, forming many treasured friendships.

Lew was known for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, humility and adventurous spirit. Friends often marveled at how much he accomplished in one lifetime. Lew simply described himself best: "I'm a do-er." Despite his many achievements, he remained humble and compassionate, often referring to himself as "Lucky Lew."

Faith remained central throughout Lew's life. Deeply connected to the Methodist Church, where both his father and brother, Paul, served as ministers, he was active in church and community service wherever he lived. He believed strongly in helping others and quietly supported many charitable causes.

Lew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie; brother, Paul Dickinson; and sister, Mary Nordmark. He is survived by his son, Luke Dickinson; daughter, Jenny Hand; son-in-law, Keith Hand; and grandchildren, Hailey and Carson Hand. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from his caregiver and friend, Sharon Ameline, Baxter Senior Living and Ancora Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at St. John United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Fox Hollow Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anchorage Gospel Mission or Covenant House Alaska.

Carol Epton

Jul 31, 1947 -

Feb 11, 2026

Carol Epton went home to be with our Lord on Feb. 11, 2026, passing peacefully at home. She was born on July 31, 1947, in Sacramento, Calif., to Clara and Homer Fiske. She was one of 10 children.

Her growing up years were spent in Colorado. She lived 34 years in Alaska before moving to Marshfield, Wis., in 2020.

She is survived by her husband, Duane, and four children: Jinnie Roes, Peter Epton, Amanda Epton and Carrie Epton. She has 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She had a deep and abiding love for family and friends. Carol had a gift of establishing family traditions. She and Duane would have celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2026.

Carol spent most of her married life working with her husband Duane. They represented Alaska Airlines Magazine marketing to small and large businesses throughout the state of Alaska. They owned two B&B's in Alaska. They were active in and supporters of many Alaska tourism events for all of their 33 years working for the magazine. They peppered in other print media marketing contracts throughout their working career.

Carol had a heart for those struggling with life. She created a nonprofit, under her church, called the Giving Place, designed to help struggling families celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas time with full meals and gifts selected by family members to give to each other. This community supported program existed in Anchorage, Alaska, and served an average of 80 families and some 400 people yearly for over 10 years.

She was a founding member of the Turnagain Church of Christ while in Anchorage. After moving to Wisconsin she became a member at North Ridge Church in Marshfield.

She was an active and adventurous traveler. Carol made many trips around Alaska, many of those connected with business. She actively traveled the West Coast and many tourist locations in Mexico. She had a love for road trips with her longest being almost two months long. Given a short notice she would grab her "Go Bag" and be out the door, ready to travel.

For many years Carol made personalized handmade Christmas cards for everyone on their Christmas list. She then made "special occasion" cards throughout the year.

Carol was an excellent cook and provided many meals for family and friends throughout their marriage. She was very active in Bible study groups, hosting meetings with food in her home on an almost weekly basis for 25 years.

Her last six years were spent dealing with Parkinson's disease with her husband Duane as the full-time caregiver. Her final years were spent in Marshfield, living across the driveway from seven of her 13 grandchildren.

Please make contributions to your local church on her behalf.

Her memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11 a.m., at North Ridge Church, 1021 W. McMillan St., Marshfield, WI 54449.

Agnes Gant

Nov 1, 1930 -

Feb 3, 2026

Anchorage, Alaska, resident Agnes E. Gant, 95, died early Feb. 3, 2026, at Marlow Manor. A memorial/celebration of life is scheduled for 2-4 p.m., on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 E 19th Avenue in Anchorage. Agnes will be buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at a later date, with the family attending.

Mrs. Gant was born on Nov. 1, 1930, to Dean and Sarah Watkins in Helena, Mont. She lived with her family in Butte, Mont., until she married "Sam" Preston Gant in 1951. Agnes worked at a bank in Butte, while her husband was in Korea, in 1953. After he got back, she went with him to his duty stations in Fort Rucker, Ala.; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Bethel, Alaska; and other Army bases in the Lower 48 until 1968, when he retired from the Army and they moved back to Alaska and settled in Anchorage. She then worked for Groceries Wholesale in the accounting department, was a secretary for an Insurance Agent and finally for the State of Alaska, as a travel clerk – her favorite job.

Agnes is survived by her daughter, Sally Gant of Fairbanks, Alaska; sister, Bonnie Edwards of Butte; sister, Sally Dyas of Parker, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Alice Watkins of Seattle, Wash.; five grandchildren, Molly, Katie, Peter, Jack and William; six great-grandchildren, Taylor, Sebastion, Elizabeth, Lily, Ezra and Lucy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to your favorite charity. Agnes was cremated by Janssen's Funeral Home.

Judy Ellen Kukowski Hall

Dec 30, 1956 -

Dec 2, 2025

With great sadness and a heavy heart our sister Judy has left this earth and is now in heaven with the Lord.

Judy was born in Anchorage, Alaska, the fifth of 12 children. She grew up in downtown Anchorage next to the park strip and spent summers in Chicken, Alaska, working their family gold mine.

In the early 1980s she moved to Juneau, Alaska, where she catered meals and worked in the flight kitchen for Western Airlines bought by Delta and later Alaska Airlines, she also ran the Moose Lodge kitchen for several years. Judy completed an apprenticeship at Fred Meyers and became a butcher receiving her Master Butcher Certification and in the later years moved onto the produce department until her retirement in 2021.

Judy met her husband David Hall in Juneau, and they were married on July 1, 2000. They loved being on the water, boating and crabbing in Alaska. They also loved visiting the Islands of Hawaii, especially Turtle Bay on the Big Island.

In August 2022, Judy decided to return to Anchorage, being closer to her family after the passing of her husband David in August 2021. Judy and David's last wish was to rest peacefully together on the Big Island of Hawaii.

She was also preceded in death by her mother, Edith; father, Gordon; and brothers, David and Jimmy (James) Kukowski.

Judy leaves behind her sisters, Jeanette (Marcus), Diane (Danny) and Mary (George); brothers, Danny, Raymond (Vicke), Patrick (Julie), Michael and Todd (Renia); many nieces and nephews; along with David's daughters, Ginger and Brandy; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Judy 's family will be Celebrating her Life at her favorite restaurant for many years, Poncho Villa's 3104 Spenard Road in Anchorage, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, between 1-4 p.m.

We welcome you to come and share your memories and stories of our dear sister Judy with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Judy's name, or a charity of your choice.

Lynn Ellen Hartz

Mar 5, 1952 -

Apr 7, 2026

Lynn Ellen Hartz, 74, passed away on April 7, 2026, at home after a 37-year battle with breast cancer. Lynn was born in March 1952, in Great Lakes, Ill. She attended and graduated from Ventura Junior College, Sonoma State University in 1977 and University of Texas Health Science Center with a Master of Science as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in 1987.

Following graduation from Sonoma State, Lynn decided that she would like to go to Alaska for adventure and professional opportunities. From 1978-2008, she worked at the Municipal Family Planning Clinic, Planned Parenthood and OB-GYN Associates as a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in women's health. Along the way, Lynn was appointed to the Alaska Board of Nursing in 1983. Lynn was the first Nurse Practitioner to serve on the Board. On the Board, she was instrumental in developing regulations for Nurse Practitioners regarding scope of independent practice and prescriptive privileges.

From 1991-2002, Lynn developed and managed a federally funded Colposcopy Project for early detection of cervical cancer in at-risk patients. The resulting colposcopy clinic manual is still being used to train Nurse Practitioners and for early screening in Alaska and many women's health clinics throughout the United States. Lynn presented the project at OB-GYN conferences in New York; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Santiago, Chile.

Lynn retired from private practice in 2008 due to health issues. She then took up editing Alaska nursing publications, first the Alaska Nurse and then later the Alaska Professional Nurses Organization with a circulation of over 8,000 nurses. In 2021, Lynn was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her professional contributions to nursing and women's health.

Lynn married Jack (John D.) Hartz in Oxnard, Calif., in 1974. They had one son, Jason, born in 1980. Together the family traveled the U.S., Europe, Canada, and South America. Lynn was also a prime mover to build a cabin on the Kenai in 1980, and rebuild a new cabin in 2009-2010. The cabin was the site of many wonderful memories of fishing, friends and relatives visits over the years. In 2015, the family acquired a condo in Maui, to spend a couple months a year for rest and relaxation from Alaska winters.

Lynn was preceded in death by father, Donald VanRiper; stepmother, Norma Kurnick VanRiper; sister, Lee Nelson; and mother, Alice Schroeder VanRiper. She is survived by her sister, Sharon VanRiper (Barry Wayne) of Ojai, Calif.; brother, Donald G. "Chip" (Diane) of Ventura Calif.; husband, Jack; son, Jason (Laura); and grandsons, Max and James of Anchorage, Alaska.

The family wishes to thank Kay Lahdenpara and Dr. George Stransky, her colleagues and mentors, Dr. Robert Bosveld our family doctor for many years. In addition, we thank Dr. Theodore Kim and staff at Katmai Oncology, Dr. Laurie Bleicher who cared for Lynn over 37 years, Dr. Loretta Lee, Dr. William Magnusan of Anchorage Radiation Oncology Center and the Providence Hospice Care Team.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Planned Parenthood or a charity of your choice.

There will be a celebration of life on July 16, 2026, at Saint Coyote, 135 W. Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage, from 3-6 p.m.

Katherine Kruger

Jan 29, 1935 -

Jan 16, 2026

Katherine "Kathy" M. Kruger – Heaven gained an Angel

On Jan. 16, 2026, at the age of 90, with her daughter by her side, she went to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her son, Terrence "Terry" (2010); husband, Ira (2016); daughter, Cynthia "Cindy" (2025); parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Davis of Salem, Ore.; four grandchildren, Alissa Way of Fairbanks, Alaska, Erica Rothenbuhler of St. Petersburg, Fla., Laken (Kruger) Johansen of Maryland and Colten Kruger of Port Orchard, Wash.; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sister, Marilyn Chitwood of El Paso, Texas; two brothers, James Wright of El Paso, and Joe Wright of Little Rock, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Janssen Funeral Home, 6901 East Blue Lupine Drive, Palmer, AK 99645. Following the service there will be a fellowship and burial with will be held at 1 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, East Valor Drive, Anchorage, AK 99505. Kathy will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with the love of her life.

If you wish to attend the burial services, please e-mail her daughter Janice by June 10, 2026, as the base has a new protocol for access: jandavis@alpinesoft.com.

Betty M. Linnemann

Apr 9, 1935 -

May 23, 2026

Betty M. Linnemann, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in San Angelo, Texas.

She was born on April 9, 1935, in Lockwood, Mo., to Henry and Geneva Warner. In 1938, her brother Donald was born and the family later moved to Bremerton, Wash. Her parents both worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard before and during WWII, building ships for the U.S. Navy. After the war, her family moved to Seattle, Wash., where she attended Cleveland High School and graduated in 1953.

She met her husband John in 1954, at the Spanish Castle ballroom in downtown Seattle and they married on June 18, 1955. Their three children were born in West Seattle, where John began his career with the Shell Oil Company on Harbor Island. Betty began her career as a vital statistics and elections reporter for the Seattle Post Intelligencer and was there for 12 years. She also started her own business, Westwood Accounting, in 1962, and later brought her business to Alaska.

In 1975, Betty and John moved to Anchorage, Alaska, when John was promoted to Plant Manager at Anchorage Airport fueling facility, where he remained for the next 22 years.

Betty was a tireless advocate for seniors and the disabled. She worked in accounting and finance for Access AK and as a Board Member for the Older Persons Action Group. In 2006, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant, at the age of 71. She joined Zonta in 1987, and remained an active member until her passing.

Betty was an avid reader, gardener and world traveler throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. She loved to fly fish off Torpedo Island on the Kenai River near their camp at Dot's Landing. Many wonderful memories were made with family and friends while she and John were "on River time."

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Sr.; son, John Jr.; and brother, Donald. She is survived by her son, Joseph Linneman of Anchorage; daughter, Elizabeth Hill (Phillip) of San Angelo; and grand-doggies, Josie and Jammy.

Graveside service and burial will be held at JBER on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Access AK or OPAG.

Due to security measures at JBER, attendees will be required to respond no later than June 3, 2026, to Joe Linneman at 907-621-0085 or libbyhilldesign@gmail.com with the following information: First name, middle initial, last name; DL# or ID# and issuing state; Real DL/ID – Yes or No; Date of birth; U.S. Citizen - Yes or No.

Donald Metcalf Ross

Feb 19, 1935 -

May 13, 2026

Former Anchorage and Eagle River resident Donald Ross passed away at his Katy, Texas, home, his wife Leigh at his side.

Don devoted his life to serving God and others. "I was saved to walk with Jesus in 1948. I tried to live a Christian life and work for Christ's kingdom the remainder of my life."

Don never met a stranger. He made friends wherever he went and it seemed that every family outing included running into someone who knew Don.

Born in Shreveport, La., Don grew up in California after his family relocated during World War II. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an electronic countermeasures operator, flying reconnaissance missions during the Cold War.

Don married Phylis Walker in 1954, and the couple had two children. Their longtime dream of moving to Alaska became reality when Don accepted a position with the U.S. government in Anchorage. In August 1964, they headed north on the unpaved Alcan Highway with two children and the family cat in the back of their Volkswagen bus. Don loved Alaska, where the family enjoyed cross-country skiing, fishing and camping. His career as a U.S. Treasury Department criminal investigator later took him across the United States and Europe.

Don married Leigh Johnson-Steele in 2008. Together they shared a life centered on faith, service and travel. In his later years, Don continued to lead Bible studies, sing in the choir and make friends wherever he went.

Don is survived by his wife, Leigh Johnson-Steele of Katy; daughter, Shirley Johnston (Dave); grandchildren, Kate McQuillin (Wes), Evan Johnston (Sarah), Hannah Benson (Joel) and Rachel Johnston; and great-granddaughters, Hazel Johnston and Heidi Johnston, all of Alaska. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phylis (Walker) Ross; and son, Donald Wayne Ross.

A memorial was held May 30, 2026, in Katy. A graveside service will follow on June 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Valley Memorial Park in Palmer, Alaska.

Anneslia Henson Turner

Aug 21, 1933 -

Nov 15, 2025

In Loving Memory of Anneslia Henson Turner

With profound sadness and deep love, the Turner family announces the passing of their beloved matriarch, Anneslia Henson Turner, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at the age of 92, in Sun City, Ariz. An Anchorage, Alaska, resident for 62 years, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Anneslia lived a long and beautiful life marked by resilience, warmth and an indomitable spirit that touched all who knew her.

Born on Aug. 21, 1933, in Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Turner graduated from Douglas High School in 1951. She met Herbert Turner at church when they were just 14 years old. On June 30, 1956, she married the love of her life, sharing 69 years of marriage.

As a proud Air Force wife, Anneslia embraced a life of travel and service, living in Japan, upstate New York, and twice at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. Wherever she went, she carried a radiant presence-small in stature but mighty in spirit. Her strength, determination, wit, honesty and grace left an enduring imprint on every community she touched.

Her family wrote: "Anneslia was a true spitfire-spirited, loving and generous with her opinions. Her legacy lives on in the lives of those she nurtured and inspired, especially her cherished family."

Anneslia was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Henson; and father, James Edmonds Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, Herbert Joseph Turner; children, Lynette Anneslia Turner, Herbert David Turner (Fran Hebert), Gregory Lawrence Turner (Kristen Turner), Yeriyah Israel and Karen Louise Turner Thern (Alden Thern); and grandchildren, Marissa and Alex Flores, and Hannah and Abagail Israel. She is lovingly remembered by her dearest friends, Betty Ward and Tina Silva.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Anneslia's memory to the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Alaska, http://www.alzalaska.org/.

Her light, laughter and love will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 616 West 10th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. A repast will be held after the service.

David Walker

Jun 13, 1959 -

Apr 22, 2026

David Kenai Walker, 66, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away at his home on April 22, 2026. The Walker family homesteaded in Happy Valley in 1958, and David was born in Homer, Alaska, on June 13, 1959. He was the 100th baby born at Homer Hospital. Dave moved to Anchorage in 1965. He is survived by his sister, Amy Sue Garroutte; brother, Daniel Leslie Walker; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dale Mangione; father, Chester James Walker; mother, Jeanette Briar Walker; brothers, Thomas Chester Walker, Michael James Walker and William Franklin Walker; and sister, Peggy Ann Walker.

Dave became an uncle before he was 7 years old. He was then and always proud to be an uncle, and he remained a generous, loving one throughout his life. His nieces and nephews loved him, and each has great stories of good times spent with him. He faced the world with a wonderful ear-to-ear smile all his life.

Dave was an avid gamer and photographer with a fascination with the world around him. He loved to drive; in fact, he worked as a cab driver as a young man. He enjoyed picking up a Starbucks coffee and going for a drive. Most recently, he drove from Philadelphia, Pa., to Anchorage, via New Orleans, La., and Arizona. Dave was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Phillies. He and his lady, Dale, often attended Phillies games and had the first day of spring training on their calendars.

Dave spent most of his professional life as an electrician in commercial construction and remodeling. After training at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward, Alaska, he worked in Alaska, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. He was also a capable mechanic and remote-control airplane pilot. A memorial for Dave will be held on June 13, 2026, in Anchorage. We ask that those who want to honor his memory donate to the Cancer Society.

Michael William Wilcheck

Aug 2, 1960 -

Feb 23, 2026

Michael William Wilcheck, 65, died at ANMC in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday Feb. 23, 2026, after battling lung cancer for the past six months.

Mike was born on Aug. 2, 1960, in Anchorage, to Ronald Wilcheck and Marie Siverly-Pickett. He was the third of six children. Shortly after Mike's birth, the family moved to Kentucky, where Ron's family had settled. Mike grew up in Kentucky with his siblings until 1975, when Marie and her boys moved to Alaska.

Mike graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1978 and proceeded to take on many adventures with his friends from high school and toured the United States, experiencing many sites before going back to Kentucky to live and work near his sisters and brother. Mike eventually moved back to Alaska and went to work with AAA Moving and Storage and relocated to Kodiak in 1990 to run their office and to begin a life on the rock! Mike enjoyed Kodiak, raced cars, settled down, married and raised two boys, Matt and Brandon. Mike spent 15 years in Kodiak before moving back to Anchorage to be closer to family.

Mike decided to try a new career when his brother started a fire sprinkler company with a partner and Mike became Chinook Fire Protection Inc.'s first employee. Mike started as an apprentice at 45, and quickly advanced with his mechanical skills and hard work and dedication. Mike became a journeyman sprinkler fitter and later became the construction manager for the company. Mike was with Chinook for 21 years before retiring at 65 years old. Mike was known for his can-do attitude and his MacGyver abilities to make anything work or find a solution to an issue.

Mike retired when he discovered he had lung cancer and wanted to focus on defeating it early on. Sadly, his cancer did not agree with his can-do attitude and spread to his heart.

Mike loved Alaska and the outdoors and enjoyed playing golf with his friends and family. Mike raised his boys and always made time to take care of their needs. Mike was at Brandon's side throughout his rehabilitation after an automobile accident left him paralyzed.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Wilcheck and stepmother Carolyn Wilcheck, and Marie Siverly and stepfather Geno Cyphers; and brother-in-law, Robbie Barnes.

Mike is survived by his sons, Matt and Brandon Wilcheck; sisters, Kathleen Barnes and Theresa Mattingly (Butch); brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph (Kim) Wilcheck, Jeffrey (Christie) Wilcheck and Kevin (Carrie) Wilcheck; and many nieces and nephews.

The Wilcheck family would like to send their thanks and appreciation for the kindness and compassion shown to Mike throughout his life and illness. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2627 Lore Road in Anchorage. A burial service will follow at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, 535 E. 9th Avenue in Anchorage. A celebration of life will follow at 5 p.m., for family and friends, Potlatch style, at the home of Jeff and Christie Wilcheck in Anchorage.