Christine "Christy" Marie Andrews

Apr 15, 1951 -

Dec 28, 2025

Christine "Christy" Marie Andrews, age 74, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away on Dec. 28, 2025. Born in Oak Park, Ill., to Marion and William Laier, Ms. Andrews attended Woodstock High School, where she met Mike Andrews. They married in 1974 and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1975, where they lived for 16 years. While raising her family of young children, Christy earned a degree in education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as a teacher's aide at Pearl Creek Elementary School.

In 1994, the family moved to Eagle River, Alaska, and she taught kindergarten and first grade at Birchwood ABC Elementary School until her retirement in 2015. Christy was recognized for her dedication to education, faith-based service and community involvement. She supported girls and women through mentorship, chaplaincy at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center. She and her husband Mike were members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, where she taught Sunday school, assisted with Vacation Bible School and served on the altar guild. Christy participated in Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She was a founding member of PEO Chapter S in the Mat-Su Valley, a non-profit dedicated to giving educational scholarships to girls and women.

Christy loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, berry picking and gold dredging on the 40 Mile River with her sister Carol and brother-in-law Vern Thurneau. She traveled extensively across the United States and internationally to destinations such as China, the Caribbean, Hawaii, England, Scottland, Ireland and Israel.

She is survived by her husband, Mike; children, Emily (Brian Ross), Nelle, Will (Cynthia Lambert) and Daniel (Olga Kofman); sister, Carol Thurneau; grandchildren, Ruby and Grayson Ross; and nieces and nephews and their families.

The family extends sincere appreciation to Christy's medical team, caregivers and hospice nurses for their professional care. A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 18444 Old Glenn Highway in Chugiak, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Contributions in Christy's memory may be made to PEO Chapter S, 14068 E River Bend Circle, Palmer, AK 99645, in lieu of flowers.

Adrienne Carver

Aug 12, 1951 -

Dec 23, 2025

Adrienne Christine Aluke Carver (Kunnuk) passed away on Dec. 23, 2025, at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. She is remembered as a loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister and daughter. She was born in Nome, Alaska, on Aug. 12, 1951. She was the daughter of Leo and Agnes Kunnuk of King Island, Alaska.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Jesse Carver Jr., who passed on Aug. 1, 2021.

Adrienne is survived by her two daughters: Veronica Derr with husband Michael Derr and kids Aubree with son Marius, Jasmine, Michael Jr. and Xavier; and Renee Carver and kids Devon, Dom, Alana with sons Mik'los and Elisio, and Dimitri; brother, William Kunnuk and wife Karen; and lots of nieces and nephews.

We will always remember you, Mom! Rest in peace. Always in our hearts, your loving family.

Mark Glaspey

Oct 12, 1944 -

Nov 28, 2025

Mark Robert Glaspey was born in Yakima, Wash., on Oct. 12, 1944, to Robert and Loraine Glaspey. He had an older brother, Kent Williams; older sister, Sybil Purvis; and younger sister, Shelley Withem, all of whom are deceased.

Mark attended school in Yakima, graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1963.

After high school, Mark attended Seattle Pacific College, graduating with a B.S. degree in political science. On Aug. 26, 1966, Mark married Carolyn Coke, also a graduate of Seattle Pacific College.

Mark and Carolyn had their first daughter, Deanne, in 1969; a second daughter, Nancy, in 1971; and a third daughter, Jill, in 1974.

Mark moved his family to Ketchikan, Alaska, in 1985, where he ended up working as the Finance Manager for Taquan Air. In 2001, Mark and Carolyn moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Mark worked for Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association as the Chief Financial Officer, a job he dearly loved.

In 2015, Mark suffered a stroke that left him unable to continue working. Mark and Carolyn returned to Yakima in 2016.

He was 81 when he passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. We are rejoicing that he is no longer suffering, and that he is home with his Savior and reunited with his loved ones who have gone on before him.

Mark is survived by Carolyn Glaspey; Deanne (Kevin ) Hack; grandkids, Michaela (Trevor) Wills and Saylor Hack; Nancy (Steve) Axelson; grandkids, Joanna (Cody) Cantwell, Carrie (Greg) Johnson, Paul (Emily) Axelson, Emma (Drew) Murphy, John (Olivia) Axelson and Sam Axelson; Jill (Marc) Crawford; grandkids, Reese Crawford, Sawyer Crawford and Elle Crawford; and great-grandkids, Sylvia, Piper Murphy and Taliana Axelson.

Clay Carrig Hein

Jul 13, 1987 -

Nov 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Clay Hein on Nov. 29, 2025, in Port Orchard, Wash.

Clay Carrig Hein was born on July 13, 1987, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Melvin and Margaret Hein. He lived in Colorado Springs until the family moved to Alaska in 1994. He graduated in 2005 from Colony High School in Palmer, Alaska. He moved to Washington in 2013. He worked in a variety of fields, including on the North Slope of Alaska, construction in Seattle, Wash., and owned his own security business in Port Orchard.

How can we capture in this small space all the life Clay packed into his 38 short years? His was a complex life filled with bad and good, with pain and joy, with heartache and laughter, but always with quick wit, deep emotions and intense love for the people around him, especially his two wonderful children.

Clay leaves behind his parents, Melvin and Margaret Hein in Palmer; sister, Tara Horton and family in Anchorage, Alaska; children, Luna Hein and Alistair Hein of Federal Way, Wash.; and an extensive network of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

There will be two celebrations of life for Clay. One will be held on June 14, 2026, in Seattle, and another on June 21, 2026, in Palmer.

Kyle Mark Hemmesch

Apr 13, 1966 -

Dec 30, 2025

Kyle Mark Hemmesch passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, on Dec. 30, 2025.

A lifelong Anchorage resident, he was born on April 13, 1966, to James Robert and Frances Marie Hemmesch. Kyle graduated from East High School in 1984. He then graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in aviation in May 1990.

He worked as an airline pilot with both Pen Air and Northwest Airlines before becoming a police officer in November 2005.

It was in April 1996, while working at Pen Air as a pilot, that Kyle met a flight attendant named Katherine and they have been together ever since. They married in Anchorage on July 6, 2009.

Kyle is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters, Eden Alyse Cowan and Jessikah Don-Mare Hemmesch; son, Nikolas Mark Hemmesch; brother, James Robert Hemmesch II; and granddaughter, Olivia Rose.

A public visitation will be held in honor of Kyle on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 4-6 p.m., at Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage, followed by a service on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 4 p.m., at Kaleo Church, 1301 West 100th Avenue in Anchorage. Kyle will be laid to rest in Spartanburg, S.C.

Alice Hjellen

Jul 20, 1944 -

Dec 29, 2025

Longtime Alaska resident Alice B. Hjellen, 81, passed away on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, from complications of pneumonia. A Family Service to honor Alice's life will be held at a future date.

Alice was born on July 20, 1944, at the old Providence Hospital in Anchorage, the daughter of Elwin B. and Elizabeth Pat (Snider) Hjellen.

At an early age, Alice contracted viral encephalitis, paralyzing her right arm and leg, causing a life-long disability. However, Alice was determined not to let that stop her from doing what her brothers and sisters were doing. Alice was the fourth of six children growing up on the Hjellen farm just outside Wasilla, Alaska, on the Palmer/Wasilla Highway. She attended school in Wasilla through her sophomore year and was able to get her high school diploma by 1969. She loved working with plants and flowers, and worked for Bagoy's Florist in Anchorage before becoming a filing clerk with the Office of Personnel Management in Anchorage. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at the Loussac Library in Anchorage.

She was very independent minded, loved riding the city buses all over Anchorage, and especially loved cats, projects and scrapbooking. Alice bought and lived by herself in her own condo for many years before moving to Marlow Manor.

Alice loved her family and shared that love with them. Although it was unexpected, she went out on her terms and is now reunited with her parents, Pat and Al Hjellen; brother, Gary; and sister, Sue. Alice will be greatly missed.

Alice is survived by her brothers, Gil and Pete; sister, Ida; and many nieces and nephews.

In memory of Alice Hjellen, contributions can be made to Goodwill Industries, who provided her with lots of practical training and support services.

Dr. John Michael James

Aug 28, 1942 -

Dec 27, 2025

Dr. John Michael James, "Mike," a fourth generation Alaskan, physician, dairy farmer, miner, brother, husband, father, grandfather and trusted friend passed surrounded by family the morning of Dec. 27, 2025. He is remembered as a man who truly lived. His life experiences took him on adventures across Alaska, the United States and the world. Mike and his wife, Linda, loved to travel and experience the outdoors - floating rivers and even hiking the Chilkoot Pass; Mike hunted and fished, and he and Linda bicycled through Alaska and many countries in Europe. He had a passion for learning, and impressed the value of education upon his children and grandchildren. He walked his talk, and often shared the importance of living with a moral compass which he modeled through his honesty, dedication to any pursuit, responsibility and genuine interest in others and improvement for all.

Mike was the first son born to Floyd "Mike" and Patricia "Patsy" James in Anchorage, Alaska. He and his brother, Patrick, were raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, where the family owned and operated Pat & Mike's Restaurants. The brothers had to peel 100 pounds of potatoes on Saturday mornings before they could meet up with friends, but once their chores were finished their adventures were the stuff of storybooks: rounding up stray dogs to build their own sled dog team or building a raft and floating the Chena River. The brothers built strong work ethics and lifelong friendships with Richard Gularte and Robbie Weidemeier through their childhood escapades in Fairbanks, and later Anchorage. The family returned to Anchorage in 1955, where Mike's parents founded and grew the Gold Pan Gift Shop & Kobuk Coffee Company. Mike attended West Anchorage High School, where he met many lifelong friends, graduating in 1960.

Mike graduated from Seattle University and earned his medical degree at the University of Washington. He was proud of paying for school himself. He worked in trucking on the Aleutian Chain to pay for his post-secondary tuition and living costs. At the end of each school year, he would sell his microscope to purchase his return to Anchorage. His perseverance in meaningful pursuits was legend to his family.

He met Linda Rae Allyn during a summer home from medical school and fell in love. They married March 21, 1966, in Seattle; March 2026 will be their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1970, Mike and Linda returned to Anchorage, where they started his medical practice and their family. They had four children: Shelley, Molly, Michael and Joshua. Mike grew his practice over the next 40 years specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine. He had a successful career as a physician. He founded Rehabilitation Medicine Associates with esteemed partner and longtime friend, Dr. Morris Horning; served as Chief of Staff of Providence Hospital; founded Alaska Spine Institute and retired in 2012.

Throughout his career, Mike was known for his interests outside of medicine. He built and operated James Farms, the second largest dairy farm in the state of Alaska. Mike was a partner in Kobuk Construction, building homes throughout the Anchorage area. He also owned and operated NYAC Mining Company. He was very proud to be recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior for his commitment to land reclamation, earning the U.S. Department of the Interior National Award for Small Mining Companies in 2014. Mike was also active in public service to improve inclusion in Anchorage. Early in his career, he started Alpine Alternatives and helped grow Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Anchorage - to provide enhanced access to recreation and athletics for all disabled Alaskans.

Though his interests in industries and public service were vast and varied, Mike's true passions were in developing people, promoting rural workforce development and continuing education. Through all of his professional experiences Mike made many friends and enjoyed success with his partners, employees and colleagues. He was known as an employer who was invested in his employees, as well as their families. Mike was a man of action and integrity; a true Alaskan who believed your word and a handshake meant something.

Mike's best partnership was with his wife, Linda. His love for Linda was evident in more than grand gestures, such as when he shared memories of their travels together, in their games of Rummikub, or simply in the Hallmark cards he would hand-select and then hide for her to find. They built a strong foundation based on love and mutual respect. Mike's legacy is his family, and the lessons they learned from him will continue forward.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; children and their spouses, Shelley, Molly (Edward), Michael (Deanna) and Joshua; grandchildren, Alexandra, Megan, Nicholas, Devon, Jack, Noah and Sydney; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Emily. Mike is also survived by his brother and best friend, Patrick, and his children, Patrick, Katie and Nathan. Mike has been preceded in death by his parents and several of his closest friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Liberty Dialysis, Providence Hospital, Alaska Regional Hospital and Saint Elias Specialty Hospital for their compassion and the dignity and care they provide to patients and their families. A special thank you to his physicians who provided exemplary care and maintained his quality of life over the last few years.

There will be a celebration of Mike's life at Holy Family Cathedral on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, with mass at 12 p.m., and a reception immediately following in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Make a Wish Foundation of Alaska.

Gary Lee McMichael

Nov 14, 1946 -

Dec 9, 2025

Gary Lee McMichael, 79, passed away on Dec. 9, 2025, at the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home, where he lived since 2022.

Born on Nov. 14, 1946, in Glendale, Calif., to Robert McMichael and Melba (White) McMichael, the family of three soon moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where two sisters were added. Growing up on Woodside Mountain and in San Carlos, Gary graduated from Carlmont High School in 1964.

After unintentionally coming to Alaska in spring 1969, he worked that summer as a surveyor's assistant and then held many other jobs – school bus driver, construction, maintenance worker - until beginning a 13-year career in 1980 with Atlantic Richfield. He worked week on and week off, first on oil platforms in Cook Inlet and later as a drill site operator at Prudhoe Bay. Tiring of night shifts every other hitch, and wanting to be home every night, he changed careers and worked for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as a Road Service Supervisor from 1993 to 1999.

It was while living in Glennallen, his first winter in Alaska, that he met his future wife, Maraley Clayton. They married in May 1973, and moved to Anchorage, where Gary's construction jobs took them to King Salmon and Fairbanks, Alaska. They remained in Fairbanks until 1975, when they moved to California for a brief two year stint where son Patrick was born in 1976. Back to Alaska in 1978, where daughter Erin was born, and then on to Cooper Landing, where daughter Kelley was born in 1980. The family moved to Palmer in 1984, and remained there until 1999, when Gary and Maraley moved to Slana, Alaska.

In Slana, Gary kept the generator going for their beautiful log home and his great sense of humor helped entertain bed and breakfast guests during the summer months. He sometimes made a daily four-wheeler trip to the secret grayling fishing hole. He also enjoyed visiting family and friends during winter snowbird travel.

Gary was a jack-of-all-trades - proficient in all aspects of home construction and remodeling, an excellent all around handyman and vehicle mechanic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snow machining, four-wheeling, gardening and panning for gold. He was dedicated to providing a good life for his family, even when his adventurous spirit led to many different home locations.

Needing to be closer to medical facilities, Gary and Maraley returned to Palmer in 2011, where he enjoyed many friendships through Immanual Baptist Church, the Palmer and Wasilla Senior Centers, and the Pioneers of Alaska.

Gary was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kelley Ann; his parents; and sister, Diana. He is survived by his wife, Maraley, of 52 years; son, Patrick; daughter, Erin; grandchildren, Harlen and Amelia Montez; sister, Teri; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gary's life is planned for June 6, 2026, at Immanual Baptist Church. For more information, email mcmichael.memorial@gmail.com.

Edward "Ed" Mjolsnes

Aug 5, 1939 -

Jan 22, 2025

Edward "Ed" Mjolsnes passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2025. Born in Detroit, Mich., Ed grew up with a deep sense of curiosity and a strong work ethic that would define his life. In the 1970s, he moved to Alaska to work on the pipeline, a decision that suited his engineering mind and independent spirit.

Ed was a mechanical engineer, with interests from automotive to aerospace, and came from a long line of engineers—following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

He believed engineering was a way to understand the world and inspire wonder in others. To that end, he taught physics at the university level and delighted in helping people see how things actually worked. His hobbies included building wildly overpowered cars—most famously a baby blue VW bus capable of beating Porsches off the line—and using them for kindness, like giving rides to kids walking to school in the Alaska cold. He was a proud Norwegian, attending cultural events through Sons of Norway. He was also a competitive swimmer, winning races into his 80s.

He was fanatical in the best and worst senses of the word: stubborn, curious, proud, quick-witted and unapologetically demanding. People tended to either love him or hate him; Ed didn't suffer fools, but he always cared deeply.

A devout Lutheran, Ed lived his faith through action. He volunteered extensively, including work with NICU families and people experiencing homelessness.

Ed designed and built his dream home entirely by hand, insisting on doing things right—even when that meant arguing with the city. His insistence on accessibility later proved invaluable when caring for his wife, Sandy, his partner of 50 years.

Ed is survived by his children, Arne and Grete. He will be remembered for his stubborn kindness, plaid shirts, ever-present hat and his belief that the best way to honor faith is to love your neighbor.

Consider donating to the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness in Ed's honor.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 3, 2026, at 4 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

Ruthann Schoenleben

Nov 20, 1952 -

Dec 25, 2025

Ruthann Schoenleben passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by her family in her home after a battle with cancer. Ruthann was born on Nov. 20, 1952, in Faribault, Minn.

She married Marlan Schoenleben on April 3, 1971. She received a

bachelor's degree in ministerial leadership from Trinity College and was an ordained minister for almost 50 years. Ruth and Marlan moved to Yakutat, Alaska, in 1973 and were missionaries there for 15 years. During their time in Yakutat, they had two children, Joy and Brad.

Ruth and her family moved to Anchorage, to further their ministry. Over the years, she pastored at Calvary Temple, co-pastored at Peace Assembly of God and started a church with her husband called Joy Christian Center and ministered there for 16 years.

Ruth worked at Nine Star Enterprises for 33 years. She served in many roles and became the President and CEO of the company. She wholeheartedly believed in Nine Star and was passionate about their mission. She loved her staff and the people in the community that she worked with.

Her greatest passion was for people to know Christ as their personal Savior. The Spirit of God reflected in her daily walk as she lived a life of grace and compassion. She radiated love and kindness, uplifting others with the light of Jesus Christ shining through her heart.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Stewart and Viola Dale; brother, David Dale; and son-in-law, Jason Collins. Survived by her husband of 54 years, Rev. Marlan Schoenleben; daughter, Joy Collins Steiding (Richard); son, Bradley Schoenleben (Meghan); grandchildren, McKenna Collins-Steiding, Nathan and Ryan Whitmore and Grant, Beau and Elle Schoenleben; and siblings, Rev. Luther Dale (Berta) and Eunice Dale.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, at 1 p.m., at First Assembly of God, 1540 C Street in Anchorage.

In spite of the immense grief in our hearts, we can only imagine the joy that Ruth is experiencing being with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John Leon Scoblic

Mar 17, 1949 -

Dec 25, 2025

John Leon Scoblic, age 76, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, at home after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Born on March 17, 1949, in Yankton, S.D., John was the son of Leon and Beatrice Scoblic. After graduating from Yankton High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of South Dakota in 1970. In 1971, he enlisted as an officer in the United States Army, where he served for 11 years. He continued his service with the Alaska Army National Guard while building a successful banking career with the National Bank of Alaska. John later earned a Master of Business Administration from Chapman University and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Pacific Coast Business School. He was also a member of Rotary International for 18 years.

As a young husband and father, John enjoyed photographing his wife and son. For many years after moving to Alaska, he spent the summer weekends camping and fishing with his family. While living in Ketchikan, Alaska, he researched and documented his and Linda's family genealogy. John also created and searched for geocaches, inspiring Alicia to join him in the hobby. After retiring, he enjoyed supporting a personal weather station, making paracord projects and polishing rocks.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Scoblic; children, John Michael Scoblic and Alicia Scoblic; daughter-in-law, Marian Scoblic; grandchildren, Kassandra Chapel, Isaiah Navales, Jayden Scoblic and Jonathan Scoblic; and great-grandchildren, Addison Navales and Kora Chapel. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Morrison, Jim Scoblic and Jay Scoblic. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Beatrice Scoblic.

A funeral service will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, at 1 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in John's honor.

Jacob Sebring

Jun 2, 1982 -

Dec 12, 2025

Jacob Gerald Sebring, age 43, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Dec. 12, 2025, in Anchorage, surrounded by love after a courageous battle with stage IV colon cancer.

Jacob was born on June 2, 1982, in Carroll, Iowa, to Wayne Sebring and Caroline Nibbe. He made Alaska his home in 1997, a place he deeply loved and where he built his life, career and family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jayme Sebring, and his beloved children: Knox Lembke (stepson, 12), Atlas Sebring (son, 2) and Jovi James Sebring (daughter, 3 months).

Jacob was an integral part of the Alaska real estate community for over 20 years. He served as the Broker of Real Broker Alaska and was a respected mentor and role model to many. Deeply passionate about his work, Jacob was known for his intelligence, leadership and unwavering commitment to those around him. He was an extraordinary friend to countless people, so much so that even those who might have been considered competitors admired and loved him. His authenticity and generosity transcended business.

Jacob had a remarkable ability to connect with others. His social media videos were widely loved, shared thousands of times and brought encouragement, insight and humor to people far beyond Alaska.

Above all else, Jacob cherished his family. He loved racquetball, building LEGO creations with Knox and spending weekends visiting open houses with his family to turn work into treasured family time. He enjoyed traveling and embraced every moment with his young children with love and intention. Jacob had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued and cared for.

He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend and exceptional human being whose presence left a lasting and meaningful impact on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 19, 2026, at 3 p.m., at Cornerstone Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society of Alaska or the GoFundMe to support the Sebring children, www.gofundme.com/f/jacobsebring.