Norman Franklin Farmer

Apr 17, 1938 -

Dec 4, 2025

Norman Franklin Farmer, 87, passed on Dec. 4, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska.

He was born on April 17, 1938, in Ayersville, Ga., to Howard Sr. and Myralee Farmer.

He enlisted in the Air Force at 17. After basic training he was sent to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. He was stationed in Palmer, Alaska, where he worked at the military radio site.

He married Jean Onkka in Palmer and they welcomed two children: daughter Valerie and son Steven.

Norm worked for the City of Palmer in road maintenance and the Alaska Railroad in their communication department.

He was involved in square and round dancing, was a member of the Elks, Pioneers of Alaska and coached Little League.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean; and son, Steven. He leaves behind his wife of Anchorage; daughter, Valerie Farmer Terland (John); grandson, Idan Khoobbagha (Stephanie); and three great-grandchildren, all of California; brother, Howard Farmer Jr.; and sister, Dale Moseley of Georgia.

Norm took his last ride to Hatcher Pass, this time by helicopter, with his dogs Artemis and Loretta. Their ashes where placed with Steven and Jean.

See full obituary at www.legacyalaska.com.

Robert Gunther

Aug 31, 1951 -

Dec 25, 2025

Robert, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Eagle River, Alaska, on Dec. 25, 2025. He was born to Frederick and Kathleen Gunther in Metairie, La., and raised alongside his three siblings, Meg, Ray and Margaret. Robert graduated from De La Salle High School in New Orleans, La., served in the United States Navy Reserves, graduated from the University of New Orleans with a major in psychology and received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University in New Orleans.

Robert practiced law from 1985 to 1990 in New Orleans, then took a sabbatical and traveled across the United States from 1990 to 1991 to camp, fish, canoe and hike in as many state and national parks as possible. He then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he practiced law for the remainder of his life.

Robert lived a life committed to adventure and learning. He was a fascinating storyteller and loved engaging in meaningful conversation at every opportunity. His passions were exploring nature, travel, photography, guns, history, philosophy and politics.

Robert is survived by his son, Conran Gunther (Kasey Swisher); Conran's mother and stepfather, Karen and Gayle Savage; sisters, Meg Carrone and Margaret Faller; nieces, Kim Cranch, Kellie Lutz, Kaci DeArmond, Becky Carangelo and Katie Farquharson; nephews, Kevin Carrone, Kyle Carrone and G.J. Faller; and many extended family members and devoted friends. You may send condolences to robgunthermemories@gmail.com.

Danny O'Barr

Jun 12, 1947 -

Dec 30, 2025

Danny Ray O'Barr was born June 12, 1947, in Mesa, Arizona, to Ruby Lee Horne O'Barr and Benjamin Arthur O'Barr. He was the sixth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: June Starks, Joseph O'Barr, Jeana Smith, Dixie Hawley, and Donald O'Barr. He is survived by one sister, Dianna (Stuart) Quist of Mesa, Arizona. As a young teenager, he helped his mother babysit many of his nieces and nephews, who developed a lifelong affection for their "Unca Danny." Dan lived in Mesa, Arizona, for 26 years; Gilbert, Arizona, for 10 years; Eagle River, Alaska, for 2 years; and Wasilla, Alaska, for 39 years.

On July 23, 1965, Dan married Gretchen Dalzen. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July of last year. Together they raised eight children, all of whom survive him: Katy (John) Smith of Yakima, Washington; Nancy O'Barr Moustafa (Walid), of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey; Sally (Gilbert) Munoz of Stevenson, Washington; Danny Jr. (Connie) O'Barr of Lewis Center, Ohio; Bonny Salsbery of Whitefish, Montana; Johnny (Heidi) O'Barr of Pflugerville, Texas; Benny O'Barr (Chris) of Dallas, Texas; and Molly (Elvis) Bicharri of Reading, England. Dan and Gretchen were blessed with 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many church callings, including Stake Young Men Presidency, Ward Scoutmaster, Young Men teacher, Stake Employment Specialist, and Primary teacher. He also volunteered in other ways, such as helping build Camp Kenyon in Arizona and serving as a DJ for youth dances.

Dan had a lifelong fascination with radio communications that began in childhood, when he received a crystal radio set and hid under the covers late at night tinkering with it. He later obtained a CB license (KOX6907) and, several years after moving to Alaska, became a licensed amateur (ham) radio operator with the call sign WL7BD. He ultimately acquired the vanity call sign KL7DR, by which he was best known. After moving to Alaska, Dan served as president of the local ham radio club, MARA, and as Communications Director for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race prior to the use of satellite phones. He also joined the Alaska State Defense Force, where he helped establish communications during the deployment to Valdez following 9/11.

Dan was an avid gardener, farmer, and arborist. While living in Gilbert, Arizona, he maintained a mini-farm and planted more than an acre of fruit trees. He enjoyed experimenting with cross-pollination, once growing watermelons weighing more than 50 pounds. He raised nearly every crop suited to Arizona's climate and also raised beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys.

As a young man, Dan developed a strong interest in varmint calling and hunting and served for a time as Secretary of the Arizona State Varmint Callers Association. A lifetime member of the NRA and a certified gun safety instructor, he trained dozens of young people in the safe handling of firearms through his work as both an instructor and a Boy Scout leader.

After graduating from Westwood High School, Dan pursued a career as varied as his interests. One of his first jobs was as a radio technician for the Arizona Highway Patrol. He loved working on radios and installing them in patrol cars but did not enjoy climbing microwave communications towers. He later founded Bullseye Electric, his own contracting business, which operated successfully for several years. During this time, he also helped with the remodeling of the Mesa Arizona Temple.

During an economic downturn in 1983, Dan traveled to Juneau, Alaska, for summer work. In early 1984, he relocated to Anchorage, and his family joined him that June. He worked for Independent Electric, then for Veco on the North Slope, before being employed for many years with Doyon Drilling. His final position was as the State Electrical Inspector on the Alaska Pipeline.

Dan lived for many years with arthritis and endured numerous joint surgeries, despite otherwise excellent health. Four years ago, he became critically ill with COVID-19 and often said he should not have survived, believing the Lord had granted him a few extra years.

Dan passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 24, 2026, with a viewing and visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 821 E. Dellwood Road (corner of Bogard and Dellwood), Wasilla, Alaska.

Cathy Olson

Aug 4, 1950 -

Nov 23, 2025

Cathy Iliene Olson, lovingly known as "Missy" to family and friends, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at the age of 75, following a courageous two-decade battle with cancer.

Cathy loved tradition but never let it define her. If something needed fixing or building, she learned how to do it. But she also loved setting a formal dining table and treating loved ones to classic French dishes. Cathy had an adventurous spirit and a determination that shaped every chapter of her story. When she set her mind to something she made it happen, like when she decided to move to Alaska in 1974 and drove the Alaska Highway alone in her Volkswagen Beetle.

Cathy was born on Aug. 4, 1950, in Salina, Kan., to Orvil Billy Carr and Norma Jean Metzger. She grew up alongside her brother, Dennis Carr. Her passion for food and strong work ethic were built during early years on the family farm and later working in her mother's local butcher shop. When Cathy moved to Alaska, the adventure and hard work continued. She taught in McCarthy, drove heavy equipment on the oilfields at Prudhoe Bay, fished out of Seward and worked as a chef in many remote Alaska locations. Cathy was also member of the Porsche Club of America, Civil Air Patrol Alaska Wing and the women's pilot organization The Ninety-Nines.

Cathy was never one to settle and she made bold midlife changes. In 1992, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her pilot's license. It was during this time that she met John Frederick, her flight instructor, who became her partner and the love of her life. John followed Cathy to New York City, where she attended and graduated from the French Culinary Institute in 2000, an achievement she was most proud of. Together, Cathy and John continued to seek new horizons, living in New Jersey and Alabama before ultimately returning to Alaska. They married in 2011 and made their home in Wasilla, where they shared a joyful life until John's passing in October 2013.

Having a streak of fierce independence and spirit that refused to be contained often led Cathy into what friends fondly called her "mis-(sy) adventures." She approached life with equal parts courage and creativity. She had a gift for reinvention and entrepreneurialism, and she embraced every new challenge with determination and grit.

Cathy built herself a community anywhere and readily made friends who deepened each season of her life. She also developed lasting connections that earned her friends who were family. Those belonging to this extensive network will remember her dry humor and endless stories, often served alongside delicious meals crafted by Cathy herself.

Please join her Alaska family and friends to celebrate Cathy Iliene Olson on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. at Ginger Alaska, 425 W. Fifth Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Su Cott Piccioni

Feb 24, 1947 -

Jan 2, 2026

Su Cott Piccioni passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2026, at home of natural causes with her children by her side, at age 78.

Su was born on Feb. 24,1947, in Garden City, Kan. She grew up in Kansas and the Black Hills of South Dakota. After graduating college with an art degree, she spent two years in India with her parents and one year in Oregon before she made her way up to Alaska on a lark in the early 1970s. She met her future husband Allen Piccioni at Bagoy's flower shop. They began a life together, had a backyard wedding and opened a plant store, The Gazabo, before they decided to move to Oregon, where they had their three children: Benjamin, Jonathan and Rachael. Alaska called them back, like so many others before them, thus they moved back to Anchorage to raise their children and reconnect with friends. Over the years Su and Allen had several successful floral businesses in Anchorage, including a design school, Stems, and finally Fine Flowers, which Su and Allen started in 2001. After Allen unexpectedly passed in 2003, Su continued to run the business with the help of her children until her retirement in 2012.

In addition to her consummate love of plants and flowers, Su enjoyed reading, embroidery, wildlife - especially birds, sending oodles of cards and letters to loved ones and winter getaways to Hawaii. She was a passionate supporter of many pet and wildlife organizations.

Su was preceded in death by her parents, Hubbard and Clyda Cott; brothers, Paul and Ken Cott; and beloved husband, Allen Piccioni.

Su is survived by her three children, grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family and friends.

She will be remembered fondly and greatly missed for the joy she spread amongst the community through flowers and cards, her kind and caring nature and her witty humor. She described herself as feisty but sweet … and you could always count on her to tell it like it was.

Su will be laid to rest in summer 2026, together once again with her husband.

Wendy Pryor

Feb 3, 1961 -

Jan 3, 2026

Wendy Jane Pryor, 64, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after several months battling leukemia cancer.

Wendy was born at Ruslip Air Force Station, London, England, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. She then lived in various places as her parents, Richard and Carol Pryor moved to other Air Force bases. Those include: Ft. Walton, Fla.; Anchorage, Alaska; Dayton, Ohio: and back to Anchorage, where her father retired. Wendy then graduated from Bartlett High School in East Anchorage and remained in Anchorage.

She worked for the Municipality of Anchorage from 1981-1987, and got married to Angelito Corre in April 1987. They had two children: Sharmaine and Philip Corre. While her children were young, she was a stay-at-home mom. In 1993, Wendy divorced and went to work for the Anchorage School District in 2003 and retired in July 2025.

Wendy enjoyed traveling and has been to many places in the world, including Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, France, Mexico, South America, the Mediterranean, and Canada. She had many hobbies and interests including crochet, knitting, sewing, quilting, taking long walks, movies, playing board games and, most of all, dancing with her friends.

Wendy is survived by her two children, Sharmaine Thomas of Phoenix, Ariz. and Philip Corre of Anchorage; four grandchildren, Jorden, Branden, Zayden and Ameliana; niece, Lauren Mitchell; nephew, Joshua Duran; and her parents, Richard and Carol Pryor of Anchorage. Wendy will be truly missed by all who knew her.

There will be no funeral services, per her request.

Sigmund Restad

Jan 4, 1928 -

Nov 24, 2025

On Nov. 24, 2025, Sigmund Restad, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away, at the age of 97, in Palmer, Alaska, surrounded by his devoted family.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Jan. 24, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Church, 1201 E. Bogard Road in Wasilla, Alaska, with reception following in the parish hall.

Sigmund was born in Gnesen, Minn., in 1928, to Sigurd Restad and Henrietta Olsen. He had two brothers, Roland and Anton, and two sisters, Dorthea and Astrid. Sigmund was an avid supporter of 4-H, stating the 14 years he participated had a great influence on his life. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1945. He served in the Army reserves in 1949 and served in the Korean War with the 31st infantry APO 7 Kansas from 1950-1951. For his service he was awarded a Combat Infantryman Award and three Bronze Medals.

Sigmund married his beloved Carol Hubble in Duluth, Minn., in 1952. He attended the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Science in dairy husbandry in1953 and a Master of Science in dairy nutrition in 1954. Sigmund served as Agriculture Extension County Agent for Carlton County, Minn., from 1954-1958. Sig and Carol began their family of six children in 1954, moving to Fairbanks, Alaska Territory, in 1958; then Palmer in 1962.

Sigmund's was an epic pioneer of Alaska, supporting the growth, research, conservation of agriculture and forestry in Alaska. He was Farm Manager of the Agricultural Experiment Farm at College, Alaska from 1958-1962.

Governor Bill Egan appointed Sigmund as the Director of the Division of Agriculture from 1962-1968.

He returned to work with the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as Executive Director, and then as Assistant Director from 1968 to1987. He was given Assistant Director Emeritus status in 1987. In 1982, he wrote the book Alaska's Agriculture and Forestry and was featured in several periodicals on agriculture. In 2014, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mat-Su Farm Bureau.

Sigmund was very active in government and community organizations in the state of Alaska. He was a member of the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Alaska Rural Development Council, Alaska Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Advisory Committee for Northern Television, Northland Pioneer Grange, Alaska State Grange, Palmer Elks and Kiwanis, and the Sons of Norway.

Sigmund was jovial, supportive, generous, kind and patient. He found joy in hunting, fishing, growing his own food and spending time with his family at his cabin at Lake Louise. Sigmund delighted in the bounties of nature and in the joy of all the children that were added to his family in his 97 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; and son, Jason. He is survived by his children, Mary, Eric, Lori, Joyce and Mark; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

ln lieu of flowers, improve the Babb Arboretum by donating to the Northland Pioneer Grange, P.O. Box 2304 in Palmer.

Penny Alice Rudolph

Oct 21, 1965 -

Dec 3, 2025

On Dec. 3, 2025, our "Sweet P" left us peacefully, after a fiercely fought battle with liver disease and subsequent complications. We thank the staff at Providence Hospital who treated her with kindness and patience throughout her battle.

Penny was born on Oct. 21, 1965, to parents James and Janet Rudolph. She was a lifetime resident of Alaska, residing in both Anchorage and Homer. Penny had a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in Anchorage and then transferring to the Homer office, from which she recently retired. While in Homer, Penny enjoyed small town life while raising her three daughters: Alannah, Crystal and Jasmine. After retiring from the USPS, Penny and the girls moved back to Anchorage to be closer to family. During her time back in Anchorage, Penny was so very grateful to experience the wedding of her daughter Crystal to Jacob in 2024, and the birth of her first grandchild, Fisher, in April 2025.

Penny is survived by her loving daughters, Alannah, Crystal and Jasmine; son-in-law, Jacob; grandson, Fisher; four sisters, Vicki, Louise, Karen and Susan; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Penny will forever be in our hearts – she will be remembered for her love of her girls, her unique sense of humor, her penchant for coloring, shopping and bingo, and for being Sweet P, our little sister, who colored our world in so many ways.

Blaine Thomas Schmidt

Nov 11, 1958 -

Jan 4, 2026

Blaine Thomas Schmidt, age 67, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, of heart failure on Jan. 4, 2026.

He was born in Dickinson, N.D., on Nov. 11, 1958, to Richard and Dorathy Schmidt. After attending high school in Dickinson, Blaine attended North Dakota State School of Science. He worked a variety of jobs while in North Dakota, utilizing his truck driving skills for Badinger Sand and Gravel, Mike's Excavation, Service Stations and becoming and apartment manager for property he owned. He also enjoyed working and serving others at the Dairy Barn that his parents owned when he could.

Blaine and his then-wife, Michelle, moved to Anchorage in 1983 for new job opportunities. He worked for Matanuska Maid Dairy for seven years. He also managed a rental property that they had purchased. They divorced in 1991.

In June 1996, Blaine purchased Natural Wonders Gallery located in the Sears Mall in Anchorage. This is where on April 11, 2003, Blaine met his future wife, Robin. They married on May 18, 2007, in Anchorage.

Blaine began Bible school in September 2002 while attending Abbott Loop Church in Anchorage. In 2005, he began attending Muldoon Community Assembly (MCA) and serving in Video Cafe while continuing his Bible studies at Far North Bible School and running Natural Wonders Gallery. He received his License to Preach in April 2009, and he began working part time at MCA as the Senior Adult Pastor. Blaine closed Natural Wonders Gallery on Dec. 31, 2009, so he could pursue full-time ministry.

On April 28, 2011, Blaine was ordained with Assemblies of God and served at Muldoon Community Assembly. Blaine continued his full-time ministry at MCA until Jan. 25, 2022. He enjoyed helping people to become all that they could be, what God had designed them to be. He began Celebrate Recovery at MCA to help people receive healing and freedom from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. He enjoyed helping people walk through the valley of death on their way to their eternal home.

He was not only active in his church community, but he also volunteered with the Anchorage Pioneer Home, Providence Extended Care and Polaris Transitional Care.

He was also a square dance caller - which he loved immensely - with Dudes and Dames from 1983 to 2023.

Blaine had the privilege to drive a motorcoach for Holland America during the summers of 2022-2025, and loved sharing Alaska with others.

Blaine also had the privilege to drive a school bus for the Anchorage School District for the school years September 2022-May 2023; September 2023-May 2024; September 2024-May 2025; and September-December 2025. He loved the kids and coworkers.

Blaine loved sharing life with others and had a heart of encouragement!

Blaine leaves behind his wife, Robin Schmidt; stepdaughters, Sarah (Matthew) Deimling and Jennifer Merly; grandson, George Deimling; brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Mary Schmidt; sister and brother-in-law, Marla Beth Schmidt and Spike Quainoo; nephew, Ryan Schmidt with wife Cecily and children Killian and Breckin; nephew, Brandon with wife Margaret and children Nico and Ivy; nephew, Kelley and wife Ashley; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A viewing for Blaine will be held on Jan. 27, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m., followed by a service at Muldoon Community Assembly, 7041 Debarr Road in Anchorage. Pastor Kent Redfearn will officiate. Blaine will be laid to rest at the Dickinson Cemetery in Dickinson.

Marvin "Ted" Dale Smith

Jan 20, 1944 -

Dec 7, 2025

Marvin "Ted" Dale Smith passed away in his home on Dec. 7, 2025.

There will be a celebration of life at the Anchor Point Church of the Nazarene on Jan. 20, 2026. Services will start at 2 p.m.

Immediately following will be a potluck. If you want to bring something, please bring something that you knew he liked or something new you haven't made before - he always liked trying new things.

Gary Lewis Wells

Sep 25, 1953 -

Jan 5, 2026

Gary Lewis Wells, 72, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away suddenly on Jan. 5, 2026, in Anchorage.

Gary was born on Sept. 25, 1953, to George and Clarice Wells. He grew up in Lennox and Marion, S.D. After graduation from Marion High School, he went on to earn a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines. He began his career in the oil well services in Wyoming and Alaska. He loved Alaska and made it his home. He spent the next years as a bus driver, working with fireworks and Dungeon of Doom at the Alaska State Fair.

He loved nature and riding his Harley through many beautiful places, and also enjoyed driving and visiting family and friends throughout the United States. He enjoyed acting in melodramas and plays. Gary met many friends playing pickleball at the Alaska Club. He had a big heart that showed in many ways including caring for, tutoring and being a substitute grandfather to Davon Johnson and Travis Toney. He enjoyed playing games and was very good at them, especially Scrabble. He even hand-crafted incredible pegs and jokers wooden game sets that he personalized for his recipients.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Clarice Wells; brother, Roy Wells; and brother-in-law, Jerry Boellaard. He is survived by his sisters, Rila Boellaard, Sandra (Alan) Pelton, Charlene (Dave) Dubs and Delores Wells; sister-in-law, Cindy Wells; nieces and nephews, Veronica Wells, Breana Wells, Jeff Boellaard, Jamie (Matthew) Tillman, Jordan (Cesi) Boellaard, Shannon (Chris) Woods, Sean (Katelyn) Pelton, Nathan Dubs, Alexis Dubs and Ashley (Jon) Hubregtse; as well as great-nieces and -nephews; and special friend, Sandra Jennings.

Time and place of celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by Janssen Funeral Homes.

Roy "Lee" Yates

Feb 16, 1961 -

Jan 10, 2026

Roy "Lee" Yates passed away peacefully at his home in Big Lake, Alaska, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lee was born on Feb. 16, 1961, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Lee attended elementary schools in Bonners Ferry and Troy, Idaho, until moving with his parents to Tucson, Ariz. Lee finished his education in Tucson as outstanding athlete in football and track.

After graduation, Lee moved to Alaska, where he worked throughout the state in the construction trade, including work at a number of remote Indian villages until becoming a lineman. As a lineman, Lee continued to work at various locations in Alaska until he settled into his home in Big Lake.

Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman who had a big heart and would help out anyone in need. Lee was a man of many talents including cooking. His pizza making skills were famous among his nieces and nephews who would look forward to "Lee's pizza night."

Lee is survived by his mother and father, Viola and Marvin Foust; two brothers, Lucas Foust and Matthew Foust; daughter, Shannon (Daniel Larrabee); grandson, Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Yates; and brothers, Rex Yates and Gene Yates.

A celebration of life will be held in Bonners Ferry in early summer 2026.