Natalie Ann Bale

Aug 15, 1959 -

Jul 14, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Natalie Ann Bale on July 14, 2026. She was born on Aug. 15, 1959, in Kodiak, Alaska. She was 66 years old.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kelly Sr. and Natalie Simeonoff of Kodiak Island; mother, Judith Meidinger of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers, Earl "Mick" Maloy and infant brother Dennis Maloy; and partner and lifelong friend, Dale Haag of Anchorage.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jade Bale and partner Danny Feinblum of Oregon; sisters, Diane Huff, Katherine Hillburn and Judith Maloy-Cales; and brother, Troy Meidinger and spouse Dallas Cheatham.

She also leaves behind her nephews and nieces: Wyatt Belanger and spouse MacKenzie Belanger; great-nephew Wyatt Jr. and great-niece Alexandra; Camronn Huff and spouse Ella Paramonova; Steven Belanger and spouse Jamie and great-nephew Cole; Jazmyn Howland and spouse Sean Howland and great-niece Jaimy and great-nephew Atticus; Garrett Huff and great-nephew Brody; Ashley Britton and spouse Heather Britton and great-nieces Hayden Fischer, Samantha Schiller and Abigail Harper; John Blandon; Chelsi Smith and spouse Kale Smith; great-nieces Hayden and Hadleigh; Mason Cales, and Nina Meidinger.

Natalie also leaves behind several cousins and many deep friendships she developed over a lifetime.

Natalie loved her family, loved life and adventure, and lived it to the absolute fullest. As her niece Jazmyn so perfectly put it, "She was all gas, no brakes." She was never one to shy away from an adventure, and one of her greatest accomplishments was participating in the U.S. Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station. She ventured all the way to Antarctica, embracing an experience few people ever have the opportunity to know. She was awarded the Antarctica Service Medal, an honor established by Congress for those who served as members of a U.S. expedition to Antarctica.

She will be remembered for so many things. She was a legendary coordinator of magic memories, epic slumber parties, trips to the lake, camping trips, sledding adventures and glorious vacations. One of her many favorite things to do was go to the movies. She loved traveling and was a trivia buff.

You are going to be deeply missed, but we will carry your laughter, your stories and your fierce, unapologetic spirit with us. We promise to keep your spirit alive in the stories we tell and the laughter we share. You will forever be loved, forever missed, and forever a part of us

A celebration of life will be held at Gallos on Arctic on Sept. 12, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Suzanne Inez Covault

Jul 11, 1947 -

Sep 2, 2026

On Sept. 2, 2026, beloved mother, grandmother and sister, Suzanne "Suzie" Inez Covault (Hood/Judd) passed away peacefully, at the age of 79, in Anchorage, Alaska.

She was born on July 11, 1947, to Dixie and Erwin Hood in Cottage Grove, Ore. Following her parents' divorce, she took the name of her stepfather, Donald Judd. She was later married and divorced within the Covault family. A woman of strong faith, she was a devoted Christian and an active member of the Mountain Coast Vineyard Church.

Suzie was highly dedicated and hard-working, retiring after 30 years of service with Cal Worthington Ford. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting and sewing.

She is survived by her children, Sherrie (Covault) Hill and husband, Keith, Donald Covault and Kenneth Covault and wife Anita.

She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Lindsey Jones, Tyler Hill, Shaun Evansek and Steven Rye; two great-grandchildren, including great-granddaughter Rosaleigh Small-Hill; and five siblings, of whom she was oldest, Randy Judd, Sandy Dufalo, Dixie Judd Erickson, Tammy Judd Jenny and April Lindloff.

No formal services will be held. Suzanne's urn will be permanently placed in an indoor glass-encased niche at Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery in Anchorage.

Janet Lee Fike

Mar 5, 1953 -

Aug 31, 2026

Janet Lee Fike, 73, has passed away at home in Palmer, Alaska, on Aug. 31, 2026, due to health complications.

Janet was born on March 5, 1953, in Seattle, Wash. She moved to Alaska in the early 1970s with her husband, who was in the Army, and their two children. They settled in Palmer, where she homesteaded for many years. She later moved to Idaho, and bought a house where she lived for 33 years.

Janet loved working in her yard and caring for her house. Due to health complications she returned to Alaska to spend her final year with family. Janet was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved working with animals and caring for many of her own.

Janet is survived by her children, Cheryl and Craig; grandchildren, Kyle, Isaac, Haley, Sterling, Tana and Lisa; and great-grandchildren, Isla, Brentley, Austin, James, Piper and Wyatt. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister. She will be deeply missed.

Enedina "Nina" Gonzales

May 9, 1949 -

Aug 27, 2026

Enedina "Nina" Gonzales was born in Goliad, Texas, on May 9, 1949, to Mr. and Mrs. Estanislado and Marselina Vera.

Our beautiful and loving mother, Ms. Nina, departed this world on Aug. 27, 2026, peacefully at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

It was in church where her passion for our Savior flourished into what she was most known for: prayer and singing. Ms. Nina was full of laughter and song, and was often heard singing or humming wherever she went.

She was a lady of great work ethic and multiple gifts. Besides owning her own business, "Busy Bee Cleaning Services," in Crestview, Fla., from 2001 to 2007, she also managed the Niceville Children's Park from 2002 to 2005. She attended Okaloosa-Walton Community College. She loved to cook, and was a vocal talent.

Her favorite activities included visiting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Texas, horseback riding with her granddaughter in Alaska, singing at church, playing guitar, hiking, bowling, doing puzzles, clam digging and fishing - especially dip netting.

Her love of life was so intense that she extended her attention to include all of God's creations. She was a wealth of Bible knowledge, a fountain of compassion, a wise counsel and a tower of strength.

Our mother, Nina, has been a blessing in this world. We will miss her very much but we are so proud to know that she's in the arms of Jesus, so we'll see her again someday. The stars in the heavens will shine much brighter with her welcome Home.

Ms. Nina leaves behind her son, Joe (Irma) Gonzales; daughters, Gracie (Billy) Olivas, Rachel (Mark) Clayton, Stella Cisneros; grandchildren, Joey Villarreal-Gonzales Jr., Allison Olivas, Danielle Gonzales, Sierra Clayton, Kristian Cisneros, LauraLee Reyes, Mark Cisneros Jr. and seven great-grandchildren.

A service will be held in honor of Ms. Nina's life at the Praise Temple Way of the Cross Church of Christ Intl., 822 E Loop Rd Anchorage, AK 99501, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. Dr. Bishop Eugene McCrea will officiate.

Raynette Loke Hose

Jan 22, 1973 -

Aug 31, 2026

Raynette Loke Hose', age 53, passed on Aug. 31, 2026, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born on Jan. 22, 1973, at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, Hawai'i. During that time her father was a specialist fourth class stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, where her family established permanent residence later that year. In 1991, after graduating from the Anchorage School District she moved back to Hawai'i, where she attended Cannon's International Business College of Honolulu, obtaining her Associate of Applied Science in computer applications. Highlights of her professional career include working for the Anchorage Daily News, United States Postal Service, Anchorage Senior Activity Center and LSG Sky Chefs. She dedicated her time, talent and efforts to nonprofits Na Keiki O' Hawai'i – Hawaiian Civic Club and Newcomers/Long-timers Club. Her many hobbies included, but were not limited to, photography, genealogy research, trading card collecting, video games and na mea no'eau especially lei-making. Raynette is predeceased by her father, Raymond A. Hose' Jr.; as well as twin sisters, Rayna W. U. Hose', Raynee W. N. Hose', and partner Charles L. Mumchuck. She is survived by her mother, Ashlyn R. Hose' of Anchorage; brothers, Raylyn (Kimberly) Hose' of Honolulu and Ryan (Malia) Hose' of Ft. Riley, Kan.; nephew, Dawson Hose' of Forest Grove, Ore.; and children, Bennette Mangrobang of 'Aiea, Hawai'i, Annette (Madison) Lewis-Bennett, Vinnette Hose' and Zennette Hose'. A requiem mass will be held with Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2627 Lore Road in Anchorage, and will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Her final resting place will be at Oahu, Hawai'i.

Bruce Arthur Lape

Apr 25, 1939 -

Aug 2, 2026

Alaska outdoorsman, fisherman and accomplished bush pilot, Bruce Arthur Lape died with his loving children by his side. Born in Albany, N.Y., he fell in love with the wilderness, spending many happy summers with his family camping at Schroon Lake.

In 1965, after completing a bachelor's and teaching credential, he and his first wife Silvia and their two children, Scott and Kristen, moved to Chico, Calif., where he taught fifth grade, earned an M.A. in psychology, and hunted and fished the rivers of Sacramento Valley.

California became too tame, so in 1970, Bruce migrated north and began his life-long connection to Alaska. Bruce's gregarious, kind nature made him a popular counselor at Anchorage's Service High School and enabled him to pursue his dreams of flying, hunting, fishing and spending summers with his children in the wild country that he loved. In 1977, Bruce started Lape Fish Co., a commercial set-net salmon fishery near the Kasilof River.

In 1989, Bruce married the love of his life, Mary (nee Rohrbough). They were partners in many adventures, running Lape Fish Co., flying all over Alaska, back and forth to California, quiet times on Shirley Lake and spending time in Hawaii, Oregon, and Arizona.

In 1991, Bruce and Mary pursued another dream, becoming almond farmers in Chico, where they visited, to be closer to their children and dear friend/ex-wife Silvia and her husband Vincent. Alaska was the place closest to Bruce's heart, caring for friends and family and living in their log cabin on the bluff.

Adored by family and friends, Bruce was known for his legendary barbecued salmon, picking out jazz tunes on the piano, cranking up the woodstove, sharing nature with anyone who wanted to learn and enjoying a good scotch on the deck as he fed his pet squirrel almonds from his orchard.

Bruce Lape is survived by his lovely wife, Mary; children, Scott Lape (Theresa) and Kristen Lape (Warren); stepchildren, John Hellen (Rochene) and Kristin Farnham (Doug); and brothers-in-law, Philip Rohrbough, Ron Pisano and Roy Langwig. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Lape; sister, Janice Langwig; stepson, James (Jim) MacRae; and grandson, Michael Schrandt.

Bruce will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Henry (Kayla), Julia (Kaleb), Jack (Mia), Peter (Clara), Max, Aidan (Emily), Hanna and Taylor; and nieces, Jennifer and Susan. Tales of joyous and wild adventures with their grandpa will be shared with his newest great-granddaughter, Wendy, and future generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, amrg.org.

Muriel Longlet

Sep 15, 1953 -

Sep 5, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce that Muriel Jean Longlet passed away on Sept. 5, 2026, at age 72.

Muriel was born in Ada, Minn., on Sept. 15, 1953, to Daryl and LaVonne Miller. She graduated from Ada High School in 1971, and married the love of her life, Mike Longlet, the next day.

In 1977, they moved to Alaska with their young son, Mike II. Their daughter, Melinda, "Mindy," was born soon after. They immediately fell in love with Alaska and what it had to offer. She enjoyed camping, fishing and snowmachining with family.

Muriel worked in Alaska's commercial insurance industry for over 31 years and retired from Alaska USA Insurance Brokers in 2018. She made many friends in the industry and took pride in helping meet customers' needs.

In retirement, Muriel enjoyed doting on her granddaughter and attending her fast-pitch softball games and tournaments, along with any adventures Mike got her into. In recent years, she enjoyed spending the Christmas season with her daughter Mindy in Florida, but always returned to her beloved Alaska.

Muriel is preceded in death by her parents, Daryl and LaVonne Miller; and cherished nephew, Dougie Miller.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Longlet; Mike II; daughter, Melinda "Mindy"; daughter-in-law, Lisa Longlet; and adored granddaughter, Addie. She also leaves her Minnesota family, including sisters Denise and Vicki, and brother Doug and their families. On the Longlet side, she leaves her sisters Joyce and Betty, brothers John and Wayne and their spouses, and her adored nieces and nephews.

Per her wishes, she was cremated, and her ashes will be spread in Homer, Alaska, her favorite place. A private celebration of life has been held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her nephew's charitable organization: HOV Recreational Foundation c/o Dougie Miller Scholarship, P.O. Box 68, Ada, MN 56510.

Ronald Eugene Maddox

Apr 29, 1946 -

Sep 4, 2026

Ronald Eugene Maddox proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran. After completing his military service, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Alaska.

In 1980, Ronald met Denise, the love of his life. Together, Ronald and Denise built a family and shared many years of memories. Ronald was a proud father and grandfather who deeply loved his three children, Alisa, Michael and Ryan, and his three grandchildren, Tristin, Jackson and Berlin. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, grandchildren, family, friends and all whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 27, 2026, at 3 p.m., at the Sterling Community Center.

Yvonne Young Merrill

Feb 6, 1939 -

Aug 13, 2026

Yvonne Young Merrill passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Aug. 13, 2026, after a brief illness and the blessing of a long, rich life. She was born in Oakland, Calif., on Feb., 6, 1939, to Dr. William Rigby Young and Wilma Hanson Young. Yvonne was the oldest of six siblings who loved one another with a consistent, supportive intimacy throughout their lives.

The friendships she nurtured from her formative years were a light throughout her life. She attended St. Mary of the Wasatch Catholic School, Bryant and later Hillside Junior High and East High. Yvonne pledged Chi Omega and graduated from the University of Utah, but her broadest education was of her own volition in relationships, causes, books and experiences. Eighty-seven years were not enough to satisfy a lifetime of inquiry and boundless curiosity.

In 1960, she married Joseph S. Merrill and they raised three daughters in Logan, Utah, and Anchorage, Alaska. During their marriage they designed and built three beautiful houses, each a labor of love with their shared craftsmanship and Yvonne's curated textiles, paintings and art. Her handmade embroidery was a whimsical treasure.

She spent a lifetime designing educational materials for children in some capacity, ahead of the curve in each endeavor. She believed in contributing to community and fostering change, and as such she shaped lives and places. While raising three children, she helped found Logan's Holly Fair and wrote a guide to Cache Valley. Her Anchorage Museum exhibits, her Art Trunks for the Anchorage School District and her Pre-Columbian curriculum for UCLA led to the publication of seven multicultural resource books. Alongside three dedicated Alaskan women she fundraised for and founded The Imaginarium Science Center, which still exists as part of the Discovery Center at the Anchorage Museum. Yvonne was honored as a "Woman of Achievement" and May 10th is "Yvonne Merrill Day" in Anchorage.

Yvonne believed in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the essence of her religion. She valued human rights and believed in the social and spiritual value of all people as children of God. She nurtured enduring friendships across every social boundary and took great interest in even the stranger's life. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and proud of her pioneer heritage.

Yvonne believed motherhood mattered deeply and took this aspect of her life seriously. She planned memorable "cousin camps" for her grandchildren. She believed happiness as a daily, active choice and sought learning, growth and engaging conversation.

She and Joe divorced in 1991, and she returned to Salt Lake City to be among daughters, sisters and grandchildren. Yvonne's passport contains stamps of six continents, far-flung places. She researched each locations' history prior to visiting Egypt, Jordan, throughout Europe and China. Her travels with her beloved sisters on "Sister Trips" around the world and nation were among her most cherished life experiences.

She was active in the Anchorage League of Women Voters, a feminist, a sharer of books and an environmentalist. She was cultured and well-read. Up to her final days, Yvonne enjoyed some non-negotiables: beautiful clothes, a funky brooch, fresh flowers, Trader Joe's cookies and loads of butter.

Yvonne leaves a gaping hole in our lives, and she would encourage us to fill it with rich relationships and exploration. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother, "Brother Bill," William Rigby Young Jr.

Left to celebrate her life include her three daughters, Melinda Tietjen (Allen), Tessa Reinemer (Hans) and Emily Mortensen (Spence); 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four beloved sisters, Martha Mortensen (Glenn), Rebecca Richards (Robb), Jocelyn Young (Gil Dammond) and Alice Ann Young.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to those doing work Yvonne cared about including PBS/KUED or arts enrichment in a local public school.

Harriet J. Roberts

Feb 12, 1932 -

Aug 14, 2026

1932 brought Harriet J. Randall into this world in Storm Lake, Iowa, during the Great Depression. Harriet grew up as the youngest child on her family farm. Ms. Roberts continued to own this farm throughout her life. Harriet's favorite saying was by Mark Twain who advised people to "Buy land, they're not making it anymore." Ms. Roberts always displayed a Midwestern view of life: Pragmatic and forthright.

During World War II, Harriet assisted in the war effort by driving a tractor, assisting with the detasseling of corn, harvesting the yield, milking the cows and feeding the hogs/turkeys/chickens. She was proud of being a "clean living Iowa farm girl."

Ms. Randall graduated from Alta High School in 1950. Harriet visited her classmates every time she returned to Iowa throughout the years, keeping those friendships strong. She made it a point to visit another classmate who moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and was a Chaplain for an airline. Harriet was always a dependable friend.

Ms. Randall married Harold Woeppel after she graduated from high school. The couple settled in Storm Lake, and had one child, Shelley, in 1954. Harriet worked for Midwestern Bell Telephone during this time as a switchboard operator who daily trudged through the snow in the winter and through heat in the summer to one of the few jobs available to women at that time. Harriet sat on a stool in front of a switchboard for 10 years supporting her family. It is a real accomplishment for a woman of her era. Harriet retained friendships with her coworkers over the years and attended the telephone operator's reunion luncheons when she went to visit Iowa.

In 1961, Mr. Woeppel suffered a fatal construction-related accident.

Harriet continued working to support her family after becoming a widow. Harriet brought her mother from the farm to live for three years in town so Grandma Elsie could be cared for.

During the time between 1961 and 1964, Harriet reconnected with the help of her best friend, Ada Roberts, with a bachelor brother-in-law who worked in Alaska. Clovis Roberts remembered Harriet as the chatty Randall girl on the school bus when the Roberts family lived on a neighboring farm on the same school bus route. Harriet and Clovis Roberts corresponded for several years until they married in May 1964. Harriet and Clovis drove the Alcan Highway in June 1964. As many people were fleeing Alaska after the Good Friday earthquake of 1964, this couple drove "North to the Future."

The family moved to downtown Eagle River and joined the United Methodist Church of Chugiak. Mr. Roberts worked at Elmendorf AFB as the foreman of the exterior electric crew. Ms. Roberts was a homemaker at this time.

In July 1967, the family was blessed with a son, Joel Roberts. They lived happily in Eagle River until they bought a home on Oberg Road in Peters Creek in 1976.

The duties of a stay-at-home mother expanded when Harriet began to work with her girlfriends at Bartlett High Cafeteria. She took the People Mover commuting to Anchorage from Chugiak. Ms. Roberts earned the friendship of all her bus drivers who gave her the honorary title of "Mayor of Peters Creek."

Clovis Roberts became ill in 2010. Harriet took care of Clovis throughout his illness, and took him back to see his brother and sisters one last time by going to Iowa in summer 2012. Clovis Roberts passed away in hospice care at home in September 2012.

Ms. Roberts remained in the Peters Creek family home visited by many friends and neighbors. She could often be seen visiting with friends on her deck when the weather was good. She would wave as people honked as they drove past the house. The fire department turned on their sirens when they saw her waving at them, which made her happy. She enjoyed keeping watch over her neighborhood and liked to report on what she had observed. Harriet was her own Neighborhood Watch.

Harriet Roberts lived happily in her home until she passed in August 2026. She was supported in hospice care during her final weeks of life by the staff at Forest View Providence Tower S. Mrs. Roberts passed gently surrounded by her family.

The family is grateful for the cards and expressions of sympathy that have been received from friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent the Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department.

Harriet Roberts leaves a son, Joel Roberts. Harriet is also survived by her daughter, Shelley Roberts Chapman of Eagle River; granddaughter, Caitlin Chandler and great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Chandler, both of Palmer, Alaska.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the United Methodist Church of Chugiak on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Michael Thompson

Jan 3, 1953 -

Jun 25, 2026

Michael Vernard "Mike" Thompson, 73, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2026.

Born on Jan. 3, 1953, in Tillamook County, Ore., Mike arrived in Alaska as a young child in 1956 and made the state his lifelong home. His family has deep roots in Alaska dating back to 1898. He spent his childhood and youth in Sitka and Seward, graduating from Seward High School with the class of 1971. After a brief period in Washington, he returned to Alaska and settled permanently in Anchorage.

Mike's early working years took him across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest in logging, construction and commercial fishing. He worked in every major fishery in the state and spent several seasons on the Bering Sea king crabbing. In 1990, he began a significant chapter of his life at the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center in Anchorage, where for more than a decade he offered steady support to those in treatment.

He later drove a taxi in Anchorage for 20 years. For Mike, driving became a quiet way of connecting with others. Passengers arriving from the villages would settle into his cab, and he would listen with patience and kindness to the stories they shared—a gentle, steady presence in the city.

Those who knew him best remember a man of uncommon intelligence, quiet kindness and deep sensitivity. Though he never married or had children of his own, he was a devoted uncle to his 10 nieces and nephews and was lovingly known as "Uncle Mike." He remembered every birthday and Christmas, sent his sisters thoughtful notes and quotes about fairies, wood nymphs and the strength of women, and always showed up in the ways that mattered most. He gave the best hugs. When the mood struck him he could talk for hours, and he loved to dance—often lost in the music with a private smile and a sparkle in his eyes.

Mike lived life on his own terms: gentle yet determined, compassionate yet independent. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Marie Thompson.

He is survived by his father, Vernard Carter Thompson of Napavine, Wash.; sisters, Cindi Thompson of Napavine, Jane Barragar of Walla Walla, Wash., and Linda Vollertson of Walla Walla; and 10 nieces and nephews.

At the family's request, no formal services are planned. Mike is at peace, reunited with his mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center. Cards and personal notes may be sent to Bill Thompson, P.O. Box 527, Napavine, WA 98565.

Richard "Dick" Traini

Mar 27, 1949 -

Sep 4, 2026

Dick Traini passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 77.

Born March 27, 1949, to Maxine Elizabeth Gow and Anthony Richard Traini, Dick came to Alaska in 1971, while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He completed 22 years of military service and made Anchorage, Alaska, his permanent home. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a professional certificate in planning.

Above all, Dick was the patriarch of his family. Nothing was more important to him. He was a patient, kind and generous father—omnipresent, active and deeply involved in the lives of his children. He was generous with his love, his praise and his time, always present for the big and small moments in his family's lives. He regularly told all his children and grandchildren how he loved them, and was proud of them. Dick never held a grudge, forgave easily and would take you under his wing if you needed a friend. His life was a life of quiet, consistent acts of service, always helping his friends, neighbors and community.

He was married to his wife, Sandy, for nearly 59 years. Together they raised eight children in Anchorage. Dick balanced decades of public service with unyielding commitment to his family.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine Elizabeth Gow and Anthony Richard Traini. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Sandy; Rick and Katie Traini, Shawn and Kelley Traini, Daniel Traini, Philip and Becky Traini, Katrina Traini, David and Jennifer Traini, Joshua and Jackie Traini, and RoseAnna Traini; grandchildren, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Alexandria, Madison, Brandon, Elise, Connor, Haley, Caleb, Tristan, Talan, Brody, Cara, Brooklyn, Aria, Erin, Tyler, Abigail, Harper and Norah; and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Gordon.

Dick first won election to the Anchorage Assembly in 1991, representing Midtown (District 4). Over nonconsecutive terms totaling nearly 20 years, 1991–1995, 2001–2008 and 2010–2019, he became the longest-serving member since the city-borough unification. He was elected Assembly chair five times: 1993–1995, 2001–2005, 2008–2011 and 2014–2018. Fearless and deeply committed to the public good, Dick acted without regard for political cost. He advanced a strict DUI ordinance, created Anchorage's network of dog parks, developed Abbott Loop Community Park, banned smoking in indoor public places and enclosed workplaces, and strengthened Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards for the Municipality of Anchorage. He secured public ownership of Waldron Lake, now Marci Waldron Trent Park, after years of determined effort. A fixture at community council meetings across the city, he consistently prioritized public safety and the everyday concerns of the people he represented.

A service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2026, followed by a celebration of life, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9475 East Bogard Road in Palmer, Alaska.

Flowers may be sent to Legacy Funeral Home in Wasilla. The family also welcomes acts of service in Dick's memory in lieu of, or in addition to, flowers.

Douglas William Veltre

Apr 10, 1948 -

Jun 19, 2026

The family and friends of Doug Veltre, longtime Alaskan UM anthropology teacher, and Aleutian and Pribilof Islands archaeologist, invite you to a celebration of life to be held at the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, 1131 East International Airport Road in Anchorage, Alaska, on Sept. 20, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m.

All are welcome.

Susanna Dorothea Villard

Jan 6, 1929 -

Sep 7, 2026

Our fighter, our survivor, our beyond-resilient Sue is finally at peace and has joined the love of her life in heaven.

On Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, Susanne Dorothea Villard passed away at home in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by family and friends. She was 97 years old.

Sue was born on Jan. 6, 1929, in what was then Konigsberg, East Prussia, to Anna and Ernst Kohn. At the age of 14, Sue and her family fled their dairy farm during a Russian raid in the midst of World War II. After fleeing, they were transported through Dachau Concentration Camp and eventually placed in a refugee camp in Denmark, where they spent several years during the war.

The family was eventually relocated to the small Bavarian town of Bad Aibling, Germany. Bad Aibling became a new foundation and home for Sue and her family. To this day, many of Sue's cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren still live there.

It was there that Sue met Raymond Villard, a U.S. Airman, at the train station, where Raymond fell in love with Sue at first sight. Sue spoke no English, and Raymond spoke no German, but that didn't stop them from falling in love and marrying on Sept. 1, 1955.

Once married, they began a new adventure together, building a family and traveling around the world, including South Africa, Italy, Iran, and many other places. They eventually settled and put down roots in Anchorage, where they opened a bowling and screen-printing business, Rayville Sports Marketing. Their business became a pillar of Alaska's sports community and was perhaps best known for screen-printing jerseys for the Alaska Aces.

Through that community, Sue was also able to fulfill her passion for sewing and knitting. She loved creating her own clothes, as well as clothing for her children and grandchildren. In recent years, Sue seemed unable to stop knitting hats, day and night. Every time family or friends visited, they always seemed to walk away with a new hat to keep their head warm.

Sue lived her life to the fullest, unfiltered and confident in the authenticity of who she was.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Villard; daughter, Lilly Wunizger; son, Raymond Villard Jr.; grandson, Jaren Villard; and many siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Villard-Meyer and husband, Al; grandchildren, Susie, Jasmine, Amy, Riley, Jonathan, Lily'Anne, AJ, Olivia and Christian; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be open to the public on Sept. 20, 2026, from 1-3 p.m., at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage. A Zoom link will be provided for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

Flowers and cards may be sent to the Meyer family at 105 W. 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501.

In Sue's first language, we part by saying:

Auf Wiedersehen. Die Sonne scheint immer.

Until we meet again. The sun always shines.

Audrey Wright

Oct 27, 1931 -

Aug 5, 2026

Audrey Wright, age 94, passed away peacefully on Aug. 5, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Born Audrey Lucille Walczykowski in Milwaukee, Wis., on Oct. 27,1931, to Walter Walczykowski (1902-1957) and Frances Jagodzinski-Walczykowski (1900-1998). She was number six of seven siblings: Walter, Robert, Richard, Delores, Elaine, Audrey and Carol.

Audrey went to High School in Milwaukee, and then on to cosmetology school in Wisconsin graduating in 1951. After graduation she ventured to Alaska where she met the love of her life, Bill Wright. Bill and Audrey married on Jan. 30, 1954, in Anchorage. They had two sons and enjoyed camping, fishing and exploring Alaska. In May 1980 they bought property in Soldotna, Alaska, and started building their family cabin. Bill preceded Audrey in death on April 19,1985.

When Audrey first arrived in Anchorage, she worked as a hair stylist, she did that through 1964. In the early 1970s she started her banking career. She worked for Alaska Pacific Bank, Key Bank and then retired from Northrim Bank in 1995. In her personal time, Audrey enjoyed knitting for family and friends. She was a woman of faith, growing up in the Catholic Church.

Audrey loved her family. She is survived by her youngest sister, Carol Lloyd of Colfax, Calif.; sons, Greg (Debbie Smith) Wright and Kory (Sally) Wright; grandchildren, Jesse (Nicole Minner) Wright, Connor (Lauren) Wright and Bailey (Casey) Hill; and great-grandchildren, Chase, Parker, Paige, Emery and Kade.

Those who knew Audrey remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Though she will be deeply missed, her family and friends can take comfort in the many years of love she shared with them. Audrey Wright lived a long and meaningful life, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Audrey and Bill will be laid to rest together at Angelus Memorial Park in Anchorage.