Linda Elizabeth Brown

Feb 10, 1943 -

Jan 3, 2026

In Loving Memory of Linda Elizabeth (Warren) Brown

It is with deep sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of Linda Elizabeth Brown on Jan. 3, 2026, at the age of 82.

Linda was a woman of fierce independence, extensive travel and a love of reading. Born in Glendale, Calif., in 1943, she moved with her family to Alaska, calling Haines, Kenai, and Anchorage home. She graduated from Anchorage High School in 1960 and Alaska Methodist University in 1964. In 1967, she tragically lost her first husband and the father of her son, Jeff, in a plane crash.

Her career reflected her intelligence and passionate spirit. Linda volunteered on political campaigns, made significant contributions in social work and served as the Director of the Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board during the Hammond administration.

She also had an entrepreneurial spirit and a gift for hospitality. She was the Publisher of the Alaska Journal of Commerce; owned a downtown cafe; and alongside her loving husband, G. Kent Edwards, operated an award-winning bed-and-breakfast in Ajijic, Mexico, for 20 years. Recently, she returned home to Anchorage to be near her lifelong friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Wesley and Elizabeth Warren; devoted husband, Kent Edwards; loving son, Jeffrey Brown; brother, Bill Warren; nephew, William Warren; and niece, Ann Elizabeth Warren.

Linda is survived by her stepchildren, Scott Edwards (Christine), Stacey Bender (Tom) and Mark Edwards (Irma); grandchildren, Jess Brown (Jesse), Olivia Brown and Matt Brown; stepgrandchildren, Catherine (Anson), Julia, Axel, Alexander and Derek Edwards; niece, Darlene Warren; nephew, Wesley Warren; and many other extended family and friends whom she cared for deeply.

Details of her celebration of life will be shared with family and friends soon.

Sara Ellen Burkholder

Jun 10, 1937 -

Apr 13, 2026

Sara Ellen Burkholder, age 88, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. Sara was born to Thomas and Lillian (Woodrich) Neeb on June 10, 1937, in Buffalo, N.Y. At the age of 3, the family moved to the suburb of Williamsville. Her younger sister Susan was born June 30, 1944. Her father was employed by the Niagara Mohawk Power company and in 1950 he was transferred to Dunkirk, N.Y., to the facility there. The family lived in Dunkirk while remodeling a home in nearby Forestville. Sara graduated from high school there and went on to get a Bachelor of Arts in teaching at Fredonia State Teachers College.

Upon graduating she took a teaching job in North Tonawanda, N.Y., at the Grant Street school. After teaching there for two years she and her roommate struck out for Anchorage in 1961, where they had been offered teaching jobs in the Anchorage School District. During those early years in Alaska, she met John Burkholder. They were married in 1968 and had two children, Matthew and Melinda. In 1979, Sara resumed her teaching career at Willow Crest Elementary School after taking time off to stay home with the kids and she taught there until she retired in 1992.

After retiring, Sara worked at Waldenbooks, worked on her family's genealogy, enjoyed traveling with John in their RV seeing much of the United States and Canada, traveling in Europe and even went on a couple of cruises. Reading, memoir writing and singing with the Senior Center Chorus were activities she also enjoyed. In 2003, with the arrival of her first grandchild, babysitting grandkids also became an enjoyable pastime.

If asked to share her most sterling accomplishment she would reply - having a great husband and two children who are an asset to the community and their individual families. Sara is survived by her husband, John Burkholder, of 57 years; son, Matthew with wife Jennifer (Perham) and their two daughters; daughter, Melinda with husband Chris Myers and their son and daughter; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Along with her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her sister Susan Szewc and her husband Richard.

A celebration of her life will take place on June 14, 2026, at the Anchorage Golf Course, 3651 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK 99517, between 2-4 p.m. Please stop by to share stories and have hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to one of the following: Planned Parenthood Northwest – designated to Alaska; Anchorage Library Foundation; or Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage.

Paul Albert Carnicelli Sr.

Jan 22, 1931 -

Mar 17, 2026

Paul A. Carnicelli Sr., 95, the heart and soul of the Carnicelli family, passed away at home on March 17, 2026. While we are heartbroken, we are so grateful to have been a part of the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Paul was born on Jan. 22, 1931, to Joseph and Julia Carnicelli of Maryland, N.Y., and was one of 11 children. After high school and college, he joined the Air Force and trained as an Air Traffic Controller in Mississippi. After the completion of his training, he married Caroline A. Sugarick and they were stationed in Albuquerque, N.M. His service took them to Rome, New York, Iceland, Duluth, Minn., Las Vegas, Nev., the Philippines and finally Alaska, where he completed 20 years of distinguished service. While he was stationed in Nevada he was part of the Detachment 1 - Area 51 known as the Road Runners.

Through his vision, Paul started and operated several businesses, manufacturing and distributing Alaska art and souvenirs to the tourism industry. He owned and managed several rental properties on Government Hill. He did most of this simultaneously: to say he was a busy man would be an understatement.

In 1979, Paul was sought out and employed by the civil engineers on Elmendorf Air Force Base, where he remained employed in Alaska in numerous positions for 29 years.

He enjoyed operating his fish wheel on the Chitna and Copper rivers with his friends and partners and was widely known for his outstanding smoked salmon and salmon dip, which was eagerly anticipated by friends and family alike.

He was preceded in death by his son, Paul A. Carnicelli Jr. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Caroline A. Carnicelli; daughters, Lia A. Carnicelli (James) Dahler and Ann M. Carnicelli (Steven) Pearsall; grandsons, John P. (Jennilee) Minier, David M. (Donna) Cloninger and Jeffrey S. Cloninger; granddaughter, Karri M. (Matthew) Balzarini; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and siblings, Mary Sparaco and Joseph Carnicelli.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Those attending are asked to meet at the Fort Richardson Main Gate, the D Street gate, by 12:45 p.m. to join the procession to the cemetery committal shelter for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.

Russell Conover

May 28, 1952 -

Apr 4, 2026

Russell Conover, born on May 28, 1952, and raised in Alaska, passed away on April 4, 2026, peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. A dedicated surveyor for over 40 years, he spent his life exploring Alaska's vast landscapes.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deborah Conover, married for 36 years; father, Don Conover; and mother, Bobbie Lewis.

He is survived by his brothers, Bob and Dale; and sister, Patty. Russell's greatest joy was his family: his son, Eric with wife Heather and their two children, Kenzie and Dane; and daughter, Tiffany with husband Ronnie and their sons Logan and Hunter. His grandchildren held a very special place in Papa's heart; in particular, his granddaughter Kenzie, who gave him a sense of purpose every single day—she was the light that guided his world. He especially loved going to Kenzie and Dane's hockey games, cheering them on with all his heart.

An avid photographer, hiker, and angler, he loved spending time at his lake house, where he found peace, capturing nature's beauty and sharing those quiet, joyful moments.

Russell will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

James DeLesline

Mar 13, 1936 -

May 5, 2026

James Arlin DeLesline, 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 13, 1936, in Bradenton, Fla., James was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Manatee High School in 1954, and served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1953 to 1961.

In 1961, James moved to Alaska, where he began a long and distinguished career with the Department of Highways, later known as the Department of Transportation. Over the decades, his work took him to nearly every corner of the state — from Fairbanks in the 1960s, to Valdez, Cordova and Gakona in the 1970s, and back to Anchorage and Fairbanks in the 1980s. He retired as a review engineer in Fairbanks in 1990, having contributed to the building or rebuilding of nearly every major highway in Alaska.

In retirement, James divided his time between Alaska and Florida, finding joy in traveling in his motorhome, tending his garden and sharing time with his family.

James was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Donna DeLesline; sons, Thomas DeLesline of Sarasota, Fla., and David DeLesline (Amy) of Anchorage; and grandchildren, Austin DeLesline, Haley DeLesline, Michelle DeLesline Adams and Sherri DeLesline Elder. He was preceded in death by his son, James DeLesline Jr.

His legacy lives on in the roads he helped build and in the love of those whose lives he touched.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal service. Those who feel inclined may make a donation to Hospice of Anchorage.

Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to leave online condolences.

Craig Dixon

Jun 16, 1961 -

May 1, 2026

Craig Neil Dixon passed away due to cancer on May 1, 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 64.

Craig had a daughter, Darci Dixon; two brothers, Jess and Scott Dixon; and a sister, Ember Bochman.

Craig was born on June 16, 1961, in Peirre, S.D., to Orin Lee Dixon and Elizabeth (Betty) Hass. Craig loved old cars and antiques, and always enjoyed the art of the deal as he was always looking for the best deal out there. Craig was loved by everyone and made friends everywhere he went. He will be missed dearly. RIP big brother!

Barbara M. Halcro

Oct 16, 1931 -

Apr 4, 2026

Our beautiful and beloved mother, Barbara Marie Halcro, entered peacefully into eternal life at home in Honolulu, Hawaii, surrounded by family, on April 4, 2026. Barbara was born to Franklin Norvelle and Mary Josephine (McManamy) Brady in Everett, Mass., on Oct. 16, 1931. She attended Webster School, Parlin Jr. High School and graduated from Everett High School in 1949. She was a true "49er." This was prophetic. When Barbara was young, her father used to bring home travel books. Her favorites were Norway and Hawaii. One day an article highlighting Alaska featured in the Sunday travel section of the Boston Globe awakening in her a powerful desire to go to Alaska, the 49th state.

In those days, one graduated from high school with either a trade or a business education. Barbara pursued a business education and fell in love with bookkeeping, typing and shorthand. Combined with marketing and sales experience gained by working at Gorin's Department Store after school since she was 13 years old, Barbara had all the skills she needed to solve business problems and turn a profit. She could learn any job and master it, which she did, everywhere she worked. Her people and organizational skills, natural salesmanship and desire to get the job done were formidable.

After high school, Barbara worked in Boston, Mass., and Chicago, Ill., where she had great fun with her cousin, Raymond, and his friends at her aunt Agnes's house. In 1954, she ventured on to San Francisco, Calif., where she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" J. Halcro. Mom always remarked that she "had been waiting all her life for the cute little fellow in the glen plaid suit with the brown bow tie." It was kismet. They married in 1955, and honeymooned in Alaska. In 1956, they began operating the Avis Rent a Car franchise in Alaska from their San Francisco office, and in 1966, Mom couldn't wait any longer to return to Alaska, and they moved the family from San Francisco to Anchorage. Mom and Dad raised their family and grew their business, Alaska Rent A Car Inc. - AVIS Alaska - a legacy company which continues to thrive at 71 years. A pioneer at heart, Mom loved Alaska. February was her favorite month, although she also enjoyed a beautiful fall day when the leaves were changing color. Each summer her garden included an "Ode to Alaska": two planters on the deck which held blue and gold flowers. In 2024, at the age of 93, Mom decided winter in Alaska was too harsh, so she began to winter in Honolulu, which she also loved for its soft, fragrant air, sunny days and sunrise red papaya.

Mom was superlative in every way: beautiful, loving, smart, gracious, capable, kind, practical, prudent and thoughtful. A firmly grounded faith was the foundation of her life. Mom had an impressive knowledge of and respect for American history and believed the founding documents of the country were divinely inspired. She was an avid patriot. Mom was a wonderful piano player and loved to tap dance, which she used to do in the kitchen until very late in her life. She also possessed a clever, lighthearted sense of humor and a great laugh. She inspired others with positive encouragement often saying "why not?" and "nothing ventured, nothing gained." And she believed you should "live life, every golden minute of it." She was a blessing to everyone who met her. We love you, Mom.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Robert; daughters, Stephanie Halcro and Pauline Hurst; and brothers, Franklin (Ruth King) and William (Phyllis Hart) Brady. She is survived by her sister, Patricia (Larry) Close; daughters, Victoria Adams, Mary Halcro, Roberta (Andrew) Inglis and Margaret Beach; son, Andrew (Victoria) Halcro; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life is scheduled to be held on May 23, 2026, with the Rosary at 12:30 p.m., and Mass at 1 p.m., at St. Benedict Parish, 8110 Jewel Lake Road in Anchorage. Everyone is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission or St. Benedict Church.

Laurie Miller-Roberts

Apr 12, 1962 -

Dec 17, 2025

Laurie Ann Miller-Roberts, age 63, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Pine Mountain, Ga., on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

Laurie was born April 12, 1962, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to her parents, Earl and Bobbi Miller. She was a 1980 graduate of Bartlett High School. After years of working as a food broker for Stanley Thompson Co., her ambition in the food industry led to working with M&M Mars & Wrigley. She then made the choice later in life to continue her higher education in the field of neuropsychology, receiving two master's degrees.

Laurie was a warm, devoted and loving wife and mother. Her infectious humor and gorgeous smile has left an everlasting imprint on our lives that we will forever hold dear. She was quick witted, generous and had an undeniable faith in God.

She married Roger Roberts on Feb. 29, 2020, at their home in Pine Mountain. Laurie is survived by her husband, Roger; mother, Bobbi Miller; brother, Marty Miller and wife Nancy; sister, Lisa Miller; children; Justin Judd, Evan Ann Robinson, Ethan Ellis and Jonah Ellis; niece, Sarah Merrill and husband Austin; nephew, Tim Miller and wife Missy; grandmother to Leo and Lilith Robinson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Betty Yates, and brothers-in-law Eric and Frank Roberts. Laurie is with God now and resting with her extended family; father, Earl Miller; and oldest brother, Tim Miller.

Family and friends whose lives were blessed by Laurie are invited to join us for a "Celebration of Life" which is to be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Wyndham Gardens Hotel (Ship Creek), 111 West Ship Creek Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, from 12-3 p.m.

Margaret Rose O'Brien

May 28, 1950 -

May 4, 2026

Margaret Rose O'Brien, 75, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on May 4, 2026.

Born on May 28, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Margaret was a woman of extraordinary intellect, quiet determination and deep loyalty to her friends and family. She built a remarkable life defined by tireless dedication to her community as a municipal planner both during her two years of service in the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa, and later as a senior municipal planner during her decades long commitment to the community of Anchorage. Her life was marked by the loyal bonds of family, including her cherished sisters, Mary Melin and Jane O'Brien; adoring niece, Madalyn Melin; adoring nephews, Arthur Melin, Robert Melin and Nicholas Melin; as well as her lifelong best friend, Cora Weaver, and dear friend, Lori Blake, among many others.

Margaret devoted 34 years of distinguished service to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Senior Planner, where her brilliance, foresight and practical approach to municipal planning and safety leaves a lasting imprint on the city's growth and development to this day. She was respected by colleagues and community members alike for her sharp mind and master's degree in planning, with which she provided brilliant and timely solutions to complex planning challenges. A testament to the depth of her vision and the enduring value of her contributions - the plans she devised during her 34 years of work are still in use to this day in the Municipality of Anchorage and continue to guide the vision and future planning for her community. She was, in every sense, a true professional, who took deep pride in attention to the details of her work. The difference her plans and tireless work ethic made in the lives of Anchorage residents will be felt long into the future by those she served so well.

Margaret's fierce intelligence was matched only by her wry wit and joyous laugh. Her generosity of spirit and profound loyalty and love for her dearest friends and family will stay forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Margaret was loved enormously by her friends and family and she will be profoundly missed.

David Smith

Jul 15, 1955 -

May 10, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David "Dave" Smith, a devoted husband, father, mentor, loyal friend and lifelong sports enthusiast, on Sunday, May 10, 2026—Mother's Day—at his home in Jefferson City, Tenn., at the age of 70. He was born on July 15, 1955, in Spokane, Wash.

He was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew this wonderful man ... whose presence brought warmth, humor and steady strength to everyone who knew him.

To read the full obituary and service details, please visit Farrarfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, 865-475-3892; www.farrarfuneralhome.com.

Patrick Kelly Stopher

Mar 18, 1969 -

Apr 14, 2026

Patrick "Pat" Stopher, 57, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away in April 2026 after a brief and aggressive illness.

Pat was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and moved to Anchorage as a young boy. He graduated from West Anchorage High School and went on to earn his airframe and powerplant - A&P - mechanic's license shortly afterward. He spent nearly his entire career working as an aircraft mechanic at Merrill Field, where he was known for his skill, reliability and dedication to keeping others safely in the air.

Outside of work, Pat loved anything with engines, mountains and open skies. He enjoyed flying, repairing classic vehicles, fishing, golfing and mountain biking. He often traveled to the Lower 48 to golf, explore the Western states and go off-road Jeeping with his brother. Pat's happiest moments were spent in the company of friends and family, sharing good stories, good food and time outdoors.

Pat is survived by his brother, Kevin Stopher. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Pat's life will be held in June 2026 in Anchorage, with plans to share food, stories and photos, followed by a flight to scatter his ashes in the mountains above Girdwood. Details will be shared with friends and family as they are finalized.

Gail Whitmore

Jul 15, 1939 -

Apr 30, 2026

Gail Esther Whitmore, 86, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, following a courageous six-month battle with cancer.

Gail was born on July 15, 1939, in Clovis, Calif. She met her future husband, Larry, at Sierra High School in 1953, and the two later married in 1961, after both earning their degrees from Long Beach State University.

In 1967, Gail and Larry embarked on what was originally intended to be a three-year Alaska teaching adventure. Instead, Anchorage became their beloved home for the next 59 years, where they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family and friendship.

A devoted educator, Gail taught mathematics for many years in the Anchorage School District at Dimond/Mears, East/Benson and Wendler Junior High Schools before retiring in the mid-1990s. She was deeply respected by students and colleagues alike for her intelligence, patience and caring nature.

Gail had a strong and enduring faith and was a longtime member of Anchorage Grace and Grace Community Churches, as well as Kona Baptist Church in Hawaii.

Though she often said she never liked the cold, Gail grew to deeply love Alaska and its breathtaking beauty and wildlife. She especially loved animals and found joy in nature's many wonders. In retirement, Gail and Larry were blessed to spend extended time at their condo in Hawaii, where she cherished the lush tropical beauty, peaceful surroundings and island lifestyle.

Above all else, Gail loved her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother whose warmth, optimism, quick dry wit and welcoming smile touched countless lives. Much of her life was centered around caring for and spending time with those she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Whitmore; parents, Stuart and Ruth Armstrong; and brother, Roy Armstrong.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Whitmore; daughter, Lora Nordstrom (Ben); grandchildren, Owen, Matthew, Anna and Evan Nordstrom, and Nathan and Ryan Whitmore; and cherished extended family members, Rick Steiding (Joy), McKenna Collins-Steiding and Sharyl Steiding.

A memorial service celebrating Gail's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., at Anchorage Grace Church, 12407 Pintail Street in Anchorage.