Elizabeth "Betty" Jessie Anagick

Dec 18, 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" J. Anagick, 99, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Born in Koyuk, Betty was the eldest great-grandchild of Chief Nashalook. From an early age, Betty understood the importance of education and to attend high school. Back then, formal childhood schooling lasted only through the 8th grade; Betty attended 8th grade twice because she did not want to quit school. She was willing to leave Unalakleet; her mother needed help to raise her siblings, so she could not continue her education. Betty soon married Lowell Anagick, and together they raised nine children. As her children grew older, Betty made up her mind that she would not stop them from leaving home to get an education. Since she always wanted to finish high school, Betty eventually studied for and passed the high school equivalency test. She then enrolled in the University of Alaska distance learning program and earned an associate college degree while she worked as a teacher's aide.

One of the greatest joys in Betty's life was her time teaching and seeing young students catch on while learning to read or learning the concepts of math.

Betty found joy in the activities of living a subsistence lifestyle. She would be fishing at the North River bridge in Unalakleet every summer, hunt every fall and plant two large gardens each spring to help keep her family fed during the long winter months.

Betty was one of the fluent Inupiaq speakers in Unalakleet. She was respected for her indigenous-based knowledge of the climate and natural world. In 2021, Betty was honored as the Alaska Federation of Natives Elder of the year award at the Bering Straits Native Corporation 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Betty inspired her children and grandchildren, who went on to have successful careers in law, business, accounting, medicine and other professions. The Johnson family provided care and companionship for many years for Betty, from sharing meals, to taking her to participate in subsistence activities and drives into the hills. Her grandchildren Shelley and Traeger Johnson lived with and cared for her following the death of her husband and in the final years of her life.

Betty is survived by her children Rose, Dorothy, Ella Anagick Jr. and Joan Johnson, Gail and Ed Schubert, Gwen Anagick Walters; sisters, Rachel Lestenkof, Emily Nanouk; brother, Alfred Nanouk; numerous grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Anagick Sr.; daughter, Martha Aarons; sons, Gary, Charles Arley, Lowell Anagick Jr. (Boyce), Edgar Anagick; brothers, Roger and Marin Nanouk; sisters, MaryAnn Haugen, Henrietta Rhodes, RuthCarol Hykes; and parents, Peter and Martha Nanouk.

James Keith Bailey

Jan 2, 1940 -

Feb 1, 2026

James K. Bailey passed away at his Anchorage, Alaska, home on Feb. 1, 2026, from pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Middleton, Ohio, to Melvin and Madge Bailey. Jim was raised in Arizona on a homestead with chickens, horses and dogs. He joined the U.S. Army serving from 1959-1961, stationed Ft Campbell Kentucky. When he got out of the Army, he bought a brand-new motorcycle, he taught himself to ride and drove from Kentucky to Arizona. He worked for Pied Piper Pest Control in Mesa, Ariz. In his spare time, he earned his pilot's license.

The call to Alaska was strong in him, so he converted a small school bus into a camper and drove up to Anchorage. He worked on the oil rigs for a while until they were moving the rig to Singapore. He met his future wife, Bonnie, in Anchorage in 1970, while snowmaching. They married in 1972. He filed for unemployment when the rig left, never dreaming he would find a job in pest control in Anchorage, but he did at Fort Richardson Army Base. During vacation time, he started guiding and he joined the Alaska National Guard as an Airborne Volunteer from 1973-1985. Then he was asked to manage Stephan Lake Lodge in the Talkeetna Mountains. He became a Master Guide, and he purchased that lodge from its European owners and owned it until 2012. He and Bonnie enjoyed running the lodge and meeting all the wonderful visitors to Alaska. Jim loved sharing his Alaska with them. He loved flying his Cessna 185 and riding his Harley.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack; and sister, Barbara.

A service will be held for Jim on April 10, 2026, at 3 p.m., at United Methodist Church of Chugiak, 16430 Old Glenn Highway in Chugiak, Alaska. The Reverend Jim Doepken will officiate. Any donations in Jim's name can be sent to the Alaska Airmen Scholarship Fund or Hospice of Anchorage.

Joan Chadwick

Mar 12, 1939 -

Feb 1, 2026

Joan Chadwick went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Joan Chadwick was born, along with her twin sister Jane, in St. Clair, Mich., on March 12, 1939. She grew up on a dairy farm situated on the Pine River. Her mother, Alberta, was a homemaker, and her father, Robert Marvin, not only ran the farm with Joan's uncle, but was a shipwright for Cris Craft as well.

Joan enjoyed the years on Pine River with her sisters Jane and Janet and their many cousins. She graduated from St. Clair High in 1957.

While visiting her older sister, Janet, in Chattanooga, Tenn., she met Bob Chadwick who was attending school with her brother-in-law.

Many years of correspondence ensued, as Bob had fulfilled a calling to serve God as a missionary on Afognak Island in Alaska. By 1963, they were engaged and married.

Joan's wonderful adventure with the love of her life, Bob, began by driving a Corvair up the Alcan Highway during the winter of '63. They arrived Anchorage, Alaska, in time to get settled in for the 1964 Good Friday earthquake.

She was first employed in Alaska as a secretary, and Bob as a construction worker.

By 1968, Bob had taken the pastorate at First Baptist Church of Birchwood, where they would both serve for more than 35 years.

As a pastor's wife she was youth leader and secretary, and spent the majority of her time in Children's Ministry. She loved teaching children that they are known and loved by Jesus. "Mission Friends," a children's ministry group, affected the lives of multiple generations.

She also spent 18 years as a pre-school teacher for Chugiak Children's Services.

Joan enjoyed camping: car camping, motorhome camping and canoe trips - even the Yukon River. She enjoyed travel to Europe, the Holy Land and, most of all, trips to see family in the Lower 48.

Joan was an excellent cook and seamstress. She sewed clothes for her family and others. Quilting was also a favorite pastime. Joan had dinner on the table for decades. She could also production cook like no other for church dinners. Canning salmon and picking berries annually were a necessity in the Chadwick household.

Joan and Bob had two sons: Robert Euwin and Lance Marvin. Joan loved her family, especially the new additions: daughters-in-law, Anne and Dana; grandchildren, Maddy (John), Miles (Kira), Bennett (Anya) and Evan; and great-granddaughter, Piper.

Joan Chadwick, devoted follower of Christ, mother, teacher and friend, will be missed. Colossians 1:9-14.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on March 21, 2026, at Community Covenant Church, 16123 Artillery Road in Eagle River, Alaska.

Margaret Ann Deal

Sep 16, 1940 -

Jan 23, 2026

Margaret Deal, affectionately known as Peggy, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2026, surrounded by abounding love as God delivered her to heaven. She was born on Sept. 16, 1940, White Plains, N.Y.

At the tender age of 19, newly married and fearless, Peggy embarked on the journey that would define her life—traveling by car from New York to Anchorage, Alaska, via the Alcan Highway in January 1960. That bold decision reflected her adventurous spirit and deep love of the outdoors. Alaska quickly became her forever home, and she embraced its beauty, challenges and community wholeheartedly.

Peggy found joy in fishing, gardening, berry picking, Nordic skiing, travel and walks in nature. She was an avid volunteer and worked for many years in food service with the Anchorage School District.

She and her husband built a log home from the ground up, paycheck to paycheck, with the help of their community, where they raised four children.

Later, Peggy and her husband opened Deal's Den Bed & Breakfast in Kasilof, Alaska—a crowning joy of their lives. Peggy never knew a stranger, and her gift for connection came fully alive as she welcomed guests from around the country. Their bed-and-breakfast was always filled with endless coffee, easy conversation and Peggy's warm smile, along with her famous sourdough pancakes and a genuine love of sharing Alaska with others.

In January 2023, Peggy and her husband relocated to Arizona for health reasons and sunny skies. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care she received in her final years.

Peggy is survived by her children, Thomas Deal, Timothy Deal, Kathleen Leadbetter and Patrick Deal; their spouses; numerous grandchildren; and sister, Kathleen Dodd of Florida.

There will be no formal service. In Peggy's memory, please enjoy a cup of coffee—or a scotch and water—and share a story with someone you love.

For more on Margaret's life, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/scottsdale-az/margaret-deal-12723133.

Thomas Frost III

Feb 11, 1978 -

Feb 15, 2026

Thomas Frost III, commonly known as Tom, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

Tom was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska. He is survived by wife, April Frost; and son, Thomas IV of Anchorage. He was born to and survived by parents, Marvin and Pam; sister, Tasha and Alvin Lochman and children Alexa and Joshua, all of Kodiak. Tom is also survived by two sons, Nathan and Kaiden; and in-laws, Mark and Kay Landon and family in Chugiak, Alaska.

"Tom's life was quick on this earth but was able to touch many of people with his thoughtfulness and caring of others."

John Gant

Jan 18, 1942 -

Jan 12, 2026

We are deeply saddened to share that John Gant, Kaladi Brothers Coffee's original main coffee roaster, has passed away.

John wasn't just a roaster — he was the heart behind so much of what Kaladi became. His passion for the craft was unmistakable. He had this incredible way of slowing down, inviting you into the moment, and sharing not just what he knew, but why he loved it. You couldn't walk away from a conversation with John without feeling his enthusiasm rub off on you.

In Kaladi's early years, John was an essential part of the foundation. His dedication, his curiosity and his commitment to doing things the right way helped shape the company's identity. For many of us, he was a mentor, a friend and a steady presence in the roasting room — always willing to teach, always willing to laugh, always willing to roast just one more batch to get it perfect.

John will be profoundly missed, not only for his contributions, but for the warmth and generosity he carried with him every day. His legacy lives on in every cup, in every roaster he inspired and in the community.

Sagen Harold Juliussen Sr.

Aug 15, 1947 -

Jan 17, 2026

Sagen Harold Juliussen Sr., 78, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Jan. 17, 2026, in Anchorage.

Sagen was born on Aug. 15, 1947, in Seattle, Wash., to George and Elaine Juliussen. He spent the majority of his life in Alaska, where he graduated from West Anchroage High School in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart, Annette, shortly thereafter.

He is survived by his wife, Annette; brothers, Ron, Billy and Jim; children, Sagen, Carmen and Thor; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Sam and Cliff.

A celebration of life will be held in Anchorage later in summer 2026.

Frances Genevieve Kaye

Dec 5, 1925 -

Feb 1, 2026

Frances Genevieve Kaye (nee Depta) of Anchorage, Alaska, passed on Feb. 1, 2026, after living a life long in years and rich in experiences. Frances was born on Dec. 5, 1925, in Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y. She grew up one of 13 children born to Franciszek Depta and Marcyanna Kadziela who had emigrated from Poland.

Her early years were spent going to school and working in the fields her family owned and farmed. She filled her free hours with reading in the attic and playing softball with her school mates. After graduation, she attended typing school and worked in the offices of Brookhaven National Laboratory. During this time she met her future husband, Leo, on a blind date set up by her sister. Frances would always say she never liked blind dates but this one was for a local dance and she loved to dance. Leo's dancing did not impress her but his smile captured her heart.

Frances and Leo married on May 31, 1948, and soon after their adventures began. They traveled to Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado for Leo's job. Two years later, in 1950, their travels stopped with the arrival of their first child, David, and they settled in New Jersey, where their other four children were born. In 1964, the family returned to Long Island until 1970 when they moved next to Alaska, first living in Anchorage and then Wasilla. Frances loved her Wasilla home sitting on the knoll above Kaye Lake and had many family adventures fishing, camping, berry picking and participating in pretty much anything Leo or her children cooked up.

Frances was a person for whom family, food and fun were the key ingredients. She was a phenomenal cook and baker. There wasn't a cheesecake she couldn't bake to perfection or a pie she couldn't master. She loved cooking for her family and holiday gatherings were epic. She loved listening to her polkas and dancing was in her blood.

In her later years after Leo passed, she went to live with her youngest daughter and son-in-law, where she enjoyed five years in Homer before they relocated to Anchorage where she lived until she passed. She loved working on jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and playing games, which she did up to the end. She had amazing perseverance and swore it was chocolate and ice cream that kept her going.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Leo, and 11 of her siblings. She is survived by all five of her children, David (Barb), Denise (Richard), Lorraine (Doug deceased), Christopher (Helen) and Frances (Chris); eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Catherine Abbott. She also leaves behind her three amazing care companions/friends: Karolyn, Nyabony and Wendy.

Frances was an amazing woman and mother who had a loving heart and a kind soul. Her 100 years were well spent and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Lorraine Lindberg

Jun 6, 1940 -

Jan 23, 2026

Lorraine Lindberg, age 85, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2026, surrounded by her sons and daughters-in-law. She was born on June 6, 1940, in St. Mathias, Minn. She was one of seven children born to Olivia and Herman Koering. Lorraine was called home to be reunited with her husband, Jim Lindberg; her parents; and brother, Leo, who died as an infant.

She lived a life rooted in faith, family and routine. Lorraine met Jim in Aitkin, Minn., and they were married one year later at St. Mathias Catholic Church, officiated by Lorraine's uncle, Reverend Joseph Kiffemeyer. Together they raised four sons: Michael, Thomas (Wendy), Richard (Julie) and Joseph (Angie), all of Anchorage, Alaska. Lorraine and Jim shared 61 years of wedded bliss. Jim died four years ago. Lorraine looks forward to seeing him again.

For 17 years, Lorraine worked in the Food Service Department for the Anchorage School District. After raising her family and later retiring, Lorraine and Jim traveled throughout the United States in their motorhome and enjoyed 20 winters in Mission, Texas.

Lorraine enjoyed puzzles, square dancing, playing bridge and attending church services.

Lorraine is survived by her four sons; grandchildren, Kyle, Kelsey, Brady, Riley and Reagan Lindberg; brothers, Clarence (Betsy), Leonard (Carlene) and Henry (Judy); sisters, Loura (Jim) and Marilyn (Denny); and also extended family members including many great nieces and nephews.

Love and respect to nurses, doctors, caregivers, clergy and friends. To know her was to love her. Christ's love and peace prevails.

You are invited to a Mass at Holy Family Cathedral on 5th Avenue, in Anchorage, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. A Rosary will be held before the Mass, and a celebration of life will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall.

Delbert "Bert" Mead

Jun 7, 1946 -

Dec 28, 2025

Delbert "Bert" Ray Mead passed away on Dec. 28, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, from health issues related to Parkinson's. Bert was born at home in Montrose, Pa., on June 7, 1946, to Elmer and Mildred (Snyder) Mead who preceded him in death. Also preceding in death were siblings, Charles Mead, Mary Mead, Esther Mains, Joyce Candy and Kendall Mead; and in-laws, Evelyn Mead, Elbert Decker, Richard Palmer and Richard Hower. Bert is survived by his husband of 31 years, Steven Cook; son, Craig Mead; daughter, Diane (Colleen) Heaney-Mead; and grandchildren, Alistair, Imogen and Marion. Also surviving are siblings ,Donald Mead, Elaine Decker, Peg Palmer and Karen Hower; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Mead, Julie (Tim) Arends and Amy (Jason) Cook-Otto; and former wife and friend, Jan (Dave) Campana. Many loved and cherished nieces and nephews also survive. Bert graduated from Montrose High School in 1967, Albright College with a Bachelor of Science in 1972, and from Duke University with a Master of Forestry in 1975. Bert began his career working for the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service in the Intermountain Station in Ogden, Utah, before transferring to the Pacific Northwest Station in Anchorage, where he retired after 30 years of service. Bert and Jan met in Utah where she was a nurse, and they eventually started a family in Anchorage. After their marriage ended, Bert and Steve, who at the time was teaching in an Alaska bush village, met in an AOL chat room and Steve eventually moved to Anchorage to begin many happy years of adventures. Once Bert and Steve had both retired, they traveled some with two cross-country drives to Michigan and Pennsylvania and also enjoyed many trips to Sedona for the extensive hiking opportunities. In his free time Bert tended his extensive plantings both inside and outside, with the highlights being his clematis, peonies, begonias and African violets. He could always find something to do in the flower gardens, and later began his version of bonsai trees with local Alaska trees. Genealogy was also a great interest. He was also an avid reader and in later years began listening to hours and hours of audible books. Memorial contributions can be given to the Arbor Day Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association or simply go and plant a tree on your own as you remember Bert.

Thomas Norton

Nov 11, 2025

Thomas Guy Norton passed away on Nov. 11, 2025, at his home in McMinnville, Ore. Tom grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where he attended Woodland Park Presbyterian Church and graduated from Anchorage High School. He attended Alaska Methodist University and graduated from George Fox College in Newburg, Ore., where he received a B.S. degree in biology. He worked during summer months for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and for Reading and Bates Oil Drilling Company. He also attended San Francisco Theological Seminary. After earning a master's degree in divinity, he traveled to Switzerland, where he studied German and Swiss theology at the University of Bern.

With his new wife, Ursula, a wonderful family was created including two children, Christina and Nicholas. Tom became pastor at several Swiss Evangelical reform churches. Frequently he traveled to South Korea where he ministered to small island communities on a missionary ship. He taught English in churches throughout Seoul.

While President of the Swiss-American Society he had a passion for the sport, curling. Eventually his team became the Swiss national champions!

In later years Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Mary. She joined him in Switzerland before they returned to the United States to establish their new home in McMinnville, where they spent a wonderful life together. Always seeking new adventures, Tom and Mary cruised to the Amazon, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and the Galapagos. Never wasting a moment, Tom wrote two books about his early adventures in Alaska and about the adventures and culture of South Korea including some of his sermons.

Tom is remembered for his unconditional love and seeing only the good in others. He always had a positive outlook. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Glenn. He leaves behind his wife, Mary; daughter, Christina (Thomas) and their children, Geraldine and Eric; and son, Nicholas (Murial) and their son, Colin. He also leaves behind his sister, Patty (Les); brother, Chuck, also known as Lucky; Mary's children, Richard (Barbara), Triena, Terri, Audrey (Jeff), Gretchen and Aaron; eight other grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and his former wife.

A celebration of life occurred at the first Presbyterian Church of North Bend, Ore., on Jan. 23, 2026. A short video of Tom's life may be viewed at https://youtu.be/pGM7qD1sqr0.

Diane Kathleen Vander Martin

Jul 30, 1948 -

Feb 10, 2026

Diane Kathleen Vander Martin (nee Downs), who entered this world on July 30, 1948, in Bend, Ore., departed from us on Feb. 10, 2026, in Wasilla, Alaska. Her departure is preceded by that of her beloved husband, Richard VanderMartin; and mother, Nadine Farris; among other dearly missed family members.

Diane's memory will be cherished and kept alive by her devoted children: daughter, Susan; son, Richard and wife Dana; and son, Brandon and wife Theresa. She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren; a doting great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandmother to one, with the joyous expectation of welcoming another great-grandchild soon.

The matriarch of her family, Diane's greatest aspiration in life was to be a mother—a role in which she not only succeeded, but excelled. Her children and grandchildren are a testament to her unwavering love, care and guidance. Diane's profound faith was the cornerstone of her existence, and she lived a life that reflected the love and kindness of Jesus Christ. Her gentle spirit and generous heart touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

As we bid farewell to Diane, we take solace in knowing that her life was one of purpose, love and faith. Her legacy will continue through the generations she has nurtured and the countless lives she has influenced. We will miss her deeply, yet we rejoice in the knowledge that she now rests in eternal peace.

Velma Ruth Wells

Dec 29, 1934 -

Feb 11, 2026

Velma Ruth Wells was born in Dodge City, Kan., on Dec. 29, 1934, to LeRoy and Clara Wells. She passed away on Feb. 11, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Velma moved with her family from Dodge City in 1943 to Yakama Valley, Wash. She graduated from Zillah High School. She was employed at a potato processing plant in Zillah, Wash.

She moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1976, at her sister's urging and went to work at Providence Hospital. She worked there until she retired in 1999.

She enjoyed traveling, but her health deteriorated and she entered an assisted living home, where she eventually passed away.

Velma is survived by her sisters, Beulah Valantas and Carolyn Tilton; as well as her brother, Darrell Wells.

At Velma's request, there will be no service.

Bonnie Alice Wright

Apr 19, 1958 -

Jan 28, 2026

Bonnie Alice Wright (nee Fischback), age 67, passed away in January 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born in Phoenix, Ariz., and though she lived in many places throughout her life, Alaska was where she was most at home and where she built her life.

Bonnie was a mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was known for her fierce love of family, her independence and her unmistakable spirit. Her home was often filled with people from all over the world, reflecting her belief in openness, generosity and connection. She lived boldly, creatively and on her own terms.

She is survived by her children, Crystal Hazlitt and Anna Marie Bell (nee Wright) and spouse Joel Bell; grandchildren, Lily Boze, Sterling Boze, Wyatt Ward, Arthur Ward, John Trucks, Dahlia Trucks and Oliver Bell; siblings, Michael Fischback (Laurel), Kip Fischback (Nancy), John Fischback (Liz), Thomas Fischback (Susan) and Samuel Fischback; and many other beloved family members who will cherish her memory.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anita Fischback (nee Chesley).

A memorial service celebrating Bonnie's life will be held on March 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2240 Baxter Road in Anchorage. All are welcome.