GRACE OLIVIA FOUTZ BOULTER
Grace Olivia Foutz Boulter, 95, of Alpine, Utah, died of natural causes on April 26, 2000.
Mrs. Boulter was the postmaster at the Sutton Post Office for 20 years prior to retiring in Alpine. She had also lived in Chicago and California.
Born Dec. 20, 1904 in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Mrs. Boulter married Don William Boulter on June 12, 1929. He preceded her in death in 1986.
In addition to her niece, Mrs. Boulter is survived by her children, Don F. Boulter, of Salt Lake City and Virginia Grundvig, of Arizona; grandchildren, Kathleen Langham, of San Antonio, Texas, Jeffrey Grundvig, of Allentown, Pa., Lance Grundvig, of Highland, Utah, Mark Grundvig, of Burke, Va., Brent Boulter, of Alpine, Utah, and Brian Boulter, of Provo, Utah; sister, Ethel Allen, of Pleasant Grove, Utah; brother, Elmer Foutz, of Boise, Idaho; niece, Daisy Kudlacek, of Sutton; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Boulter was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held ward and stake callings, was a Provo Temple ordinance worker, and served a mission with her husband in Nashville, Tenn.
Funeral services were held May 1 at the Alpine Stake Center, 98 East Canyon Crest Road, Alpine, UT. Funeral services were handled by Olpin Family Mortuary Pleasant Grove.

CAROL ANN LUKENICH
Wasilla resident Carol Ann Lukenich, 52, died Tuesday, May 30, 2000, at her home.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 5, at St. John Catholic Church in Jackson, Mich., with the Rev. James Shaver as celebrant. 
Burial followed at Fitchburg Cemetery in Bunker Hill Township. 
Ms. Lukenich was born May 4, 1948, in Stockbridge, Mich., the daughter of Paul S. and Donna (Huffine) Lukenich. She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1966. She had lived in Alaska for the past 28 years and worked for Nye Ford.
Her favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, golfing and all sorts of animals.
She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Paul S. Lukenich.
Survivors are her mother, Donna Lukenich, of Jackson; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Marlene Lukenich, of Stockbridge; sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Donald Byrd, of Stockbridge; niece, Kristi Lin Misiak; nephews, Jeff and John Misiak; great-nephew, Nikolaus Misiak; and dear friends, Dr. Brian and Kim Daniels, of Alaska.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Michigan Cancer Society or the charity of ones choice.
Local arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

MARGARET C. CROW
Margaret Catherine Crow, 84, died at her home in Palmer on May 31, 2000, from cancer. A memorial service will be held at the Palmer Highway Church of God at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 10, with Pastor Steve Reams officiating. 
Mrs. Crow was born Oct. 12, 1915 in Dixon, Mo. She graduated from high school in 1933 in Dixon. Most of her working years were spent as a bookkeeper, and she retired in 1978 from B. J.s Packing in Casa Grande, Ariz.
Mrs. Crow came to Alaska in 1989. She was a member of Palmer Highway Church of God, and loved to visit her friends at the Palmer Senior Center. 
Her family said, We will all miss grandmas love and kindness. 
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Milbert Brumley and Gale Crow. Survivors are her daughters, Nadine McCormick, of Alaska, and Thelma McRoberts, of California; son, Jim Crow, of Arizona; grandchildren, James McCormick, of Palmer, Tim McCormick, of Anchorage, Roberta Jones, of Oregon, and Bailey Lee McRoberts and Daniel McRoberts, of California; stepchildren, Jack, Bill, and Bob Crow, of California, and Gene Crow, of Arizona; great-grandchildren, James Crow, Carrie and Courtney Hoeck, Christian, Michael and Cieria McCormick, Sarah Wilson and Kelly Lynn McRoberts; and great-great-grandson, Michael McRoberts. 
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

PEGGY R. WAGNER
Wasilla resident Peggy R. Wagner, 70, died May 22, 2000, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage.
A gathering of family and friends is pending for sometime in August, with arrangements being made by Don Wagner. Her ashes will be scattered with those of her late husband, Bill Wagner, over their homestead.
Mrs. Wagner was born July 9, 1929, in Savannah, Chatham County, Ga., and received her education there.
Her family wrote, Peggy came to Alaska in 1960. She met and married William Wagner in 1962 in the Knik area where he was homesteading. They shared their homestead and lived in Mountain View until they retired and moved back to Knik in the early 80s. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 36 years, and had been like a one-winged bird ever since then.
Survivors are her sisters, Connie Duncan, of Savannah, Ga., and Shirley Brannen, of Statesboro, Ga.; brother, Henry Harrison, of Birmingham, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to R.C.G. (Kidney Center) Anchorage, 4160 Tudor Centre Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.
Cremation arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

ELAINE MAE HURD-LAUB
Wasilla resident Elaine Mae Hurd-Laub, 38, died May 29, 2000, at home. There will be no services, but a wake for Elaine was held June 3 at the Mug Shot Saloon in Wasilla, and also on June 4, at Carpentiers Lounge, in Anchorage. 
Elaine was born Aug. 18, 1961, in Palmer, and lived her life in Alaska. She was employed as a manager with Kentucky Fried Chicken for 20 years. Her crew at the Wasilla Kentucky Fried Chicken said, She was a very wonderful person, very compassionate, energetic and full of life. She had a strong belief that everyone deserved a second chance. 
Her employees described her as The Mighty Munchkin, happy, perky, and bouncy. They said, She was loved by everyone. She had worked hard to bring the Wasilla store from just another Kentucky Fried Chicken. She and her employees were ranked in the top 10 of all 7,000 stores. They were also ranked 29th in the northwest region. She was very proud of this and gave the credit to her crew.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Laub; father, Vern Hurd; and brother, Patrick Hurd; and by all her employees past and present. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

PATRICIA MOBLEY
On June 5, 2000, following a battle with ovarian cancer, Patricia Brennan Murray Mobley went home to be with the Lord. A private service was held at the Mobley family homestead in Skwentna. 
Pat was born Sept. 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1970 she visited Alaska and fell in love with its majestic beauty. She returned home but she knew someday she wanted to return. 
She had the second of her three children and attended St. Johns University in New York and obtained her masters degree in nursing. In 1982, after the death of her husband, she and her two youngest children moved to Anchorage. 
She lived in Anchorage from 1982 to 1984, in Wasilla from 1984 to 1989, in Anchorage from 1989 to 1991, in Palmer from 1991 to 2000, and between the homestead in Skwentna and home in Palmer until the time of her death. 
She worked at Alaska Native Medical Center for 14 years. She was a charismatic Catholic, and she entered her artwork in the Alaska State Fair every year since 1983, winning many grand champion and first prizes. She was an artist and Sourdough of the Bush. 
Her family said: Only in the last couple of years did she truly find what shed been looking for. She visited the homestead of Don Mobley in Skwentna. She was truly in her element living off the land in the true wilderness. They fell in love and in March 1999 they married. She found true happiness. We will all miss her independent spirit and warped sense of humor. 
Her family included her husband, Don Mobley; eldest daughter, Kathy Papola; son, Thomas Murray; daughter, Shannon Dufford; and seven grandchildren, all of Alaska. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

CYNTHIA SUE HARLAN-STASCO
Palmer resident Cynthia Sue Harlan-Stasco, 52, died June 5, 2000, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. today, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.
A celebration of life will take place immediately following the service at the home of Robert Stasco. The Rev. Jonathan Rockey will officiate.
Mrs. Harlan-Stasco was born on June 28, 1947, in Enumclaw, Wash., to Judd B. and Darlene (Gitt) Harlan.
Her family moved to Alaska in January 1960. She attended East Anchorage High School and graduated in 1965. She went on to receive two years of college education in the culinary arts. She was a career baker for more than 30 years, 18 of which were in the bakery department at Safeway in Alaska and Washington. She also owned and operated a bakery in Ferndale, Calif., until 1992, when she moved home to Anchorage to be closer to her sons.
She was an avid gardener and won numerous ribbons at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer for her vegetables and flowers. She also enjoyed the game of golf and was quick to argue her amateur status. But first and foremost was her pride and passion in her family, especially her granddaughters, whom she cherished.
Her family described her as having a vivacious spirit that was evident to all who knew her. She approached life with arms wide open and was known to share her quick sense of humor during even the most trying times.
The people whose lives she touched will not soon forget the kind and generous person she was. She will be deeply and sadly missed. We gain strength in her passing by knowing her spirit is alive in all of us.
Mrs. Harlan-Stasco is survived by her husband, Robert Stasco, of Palmer; sons, daughters in law and granddaughters, Lee, Erin and Madalyn Paige McKenzie and Jeff, Erin and Mia Sara McKenzie, all of Anchorage; brother, Chuck Harlan, of Kona, Hawaii; sister, Connie Weel, of Anchorage; and numerous friends and relatives and the entire Safeway family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions in her name be directed to the American Cancer Society, 402 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99503 and the American Lung Association, 555 W. Northern Lights, Suite 103, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

LLOYD HILL
Longtime Palmer resident Lloyd Hill, 85, died of heart failure on June 5, 2000, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. A memorial service followed by a gathering of friends will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 10, at the Palmer Moose Lodge, S. Cobb St., in Palmer.
Mr. Hill was born May 4, 1915, in Felch, Mich., to Wallace and Jenny (Jones) Hill.
He came to the Matanuska Valley in 1937 with his father, looking for better opportunities. His father died shortly after their arrival so he went to work in several mines in the Willow Mining District. With the onset of World War II, he went into the Army in 1942 for four years and returned to the Valley and started gold mining at the Mint Mine and later at the Grubstake placer operation.
In 1948 he married Elsie Jeffers. Needing to support a growing family, he went to work in the local coal mines, but still prospected for gold on the side. When the coal mines shut down, he went to work for the Alcantra Youth Camp. In his spare time he found and worked a soapstone mine in the Hatcher Pass area. He retired from his state job in 1975.
According to his family: Lloyd believed in honesty and hard work. He loved living off the land with his hunting, fishing and gardening. He was an expert in sausage-making and curing fish. He loved working on his little inventions and playing music on his guitar. In his later years, his enjoyment was his apple orchard and garden. Family and friends will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his great will to live. Lloyd enriched all the lives he touched.
Mr. Hill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elsie; his sons and their wives, Henry and Bambi Hill, Steve and Minnie Hill, John and Karen Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Tim McKenzie; sisters, Ethel Anderson and Sue Hill; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Chris Hill; his sister, Evelyn Engle; and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the place of the donors choice.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

GERALD W. GOODMAN
Gerald Goodman, 56, died peacefully at home in Wasilla on May 27, 2000. 
Mr. Goodman was born in Artesia, Calif., on Feb. 8, 1944. He and his wife moved to Alaska in April 1987. In April 1972, he opened his home health-care pharmacy, Alaska Pharmacy Services, in Anchorage. 
He operated the pharmacy until his illness forced him to close in July 1999. 
His family said: Jerry wished to thank the employees, patients, and home health-care personnel who supported and made his business a success.
Mr. Goodman is survived by his wife, S. Lee Goodman, of Wasilla; and his mother, Bernadine Biddle, of Fort Monave, Ariz. Jerry asked that no services be held. His family and friends will plant a memorial for him at his home. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.

MARGARET C. CROW
Margaret Catherine Crow, 84, died at her home in Palmer on May 31, 2000, from cancer.
A memorial service will be held at the Palmer Highway Church of God, at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2000, with Pastor Steve Reams officiating.
Mrs. Crow was born Oct. 12, 1915, in Dixon, Mo. She graduated from high school in 1933 in Dixon. Most of her working years were spent as a bookkeeper, and she retired in 1978 from B. J.s Packing in Casa Grande, Ariz. She came to Alaska in 1989.
She was a member of Palmer Highway Church of God, and she loved to visit her friends at the Palmer Senior Center.
Her family said: We will all miss grandmas love and kindness.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Milbert Brumley and Gale Crow.
Survivors are her daughters, Nadine McCormick, of Alaska and Thelma McRoberts, of California; son, Jim Crow, of Arizona; grandchildren, James McCormick, of Palmer, Tim McCormick, of Anchorage, Roberta Jones, of Oregon, Bailey Lee McRoberts and Daniel McRoberts, of California; step-children, Jack, Bill and Bob Crow, of California, and Gene Crow, of Arizona; great-grandchildren, James Crow, Carrie and Courtney Hoeck, Christian, Michael and Cieria McCormick, Sarah Wilson and Kelly Lynn McRoberts; and great-great-grandson, Michael McRoberts.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

GERALDINE EDITH GERRY GODIN
Big Lake resident Geraldine Edith Gerry Godin, 57, died June 5, 2000, at home, after a year-long battle with cancer. 
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be at 3 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Godin Historic Strawberry Patch, Mile 2 Beaver Lake Road, in Big Lake, with Pastor Ethan Hansen of Faith Bible Fellowship officiating. 
Her ashes will be scattered at the Gerry Godin Historic Strawberry Patch. Mrs. Godin was born Feb. 17, 1943, in Peabody, Mass. She came to Alaska in June 1964, and resided in Anchorage from 1964 to 1969, and in Big Lake since 1969. 
She was a nurse in Danvers, Mass., in the early 1960s. She was a housewife and mother and handled bookkeeping for the family business.
She received several awards throughout the years from the Alaska State Fair for various items from her gardens and ceramics. She was very talented in gardening, crafts, sewing, genealogy and ceramics. She and her husband, Chet, enjoyed family gatherings. 
Her family said: Gerry was a wonderful wife and mother, who was always loving and supportive. Gerry dedicated her life to her family, children, and grandchildren (who were her pride and joy), her friends, and her gardening. She always put others needs before her own. Gerry was very talented in all she did, as well as being generous. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, and by those whose lives she touched.
Surviving are her husband, Chester A. Godin, of Big Lake; sons and daughters-in-law, Chester and Adina Godin, of Wasilla, Art and Audra Godin, and David and Wendy Godin, of Big Lake; daughter and son-in-law, Birdie and Ed Gohr, of Anchorage; grandchildren, Tessona Cromwell, of Wasilla, Christopher Godin and Zachary Godin, of Wasilla, and Gidget Gohr, of Anchorage; and sisters and brother-in-law, Louise and Jim Harris, of Salem, Mass., and Evelyn Bentley, of Danvers, Mass. 
Memorial donations may be made to the Gerry Godin memorial fund at any branch of the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. If flowers are sent, perennial flowers and plants are preferred. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla.

BUDDY McCOY
Palmer resident Buddy McCoy, 45, died June 6, 2000, at Valley Hospital from injuries received in a motorcycle accident.
A memorial service was scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, June 12, at Mat-Su Evangelical Covenant Church, Mile 7 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., with the Revs. Robert Cameron and Dave Dahms officiating. A visitation was at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 East Herning Ave., in Wasilla.
Private family burial was at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.
Mr. McCoy was born July 15, 1954, in East St. Louis, Mo. He served as a firefighter in the United States Air Force. He came to Alaska in 1974, and resided in Palmer.
His last place of employment was with Chugach Alaska Corp. 
Survivors are his parents, James and Elva McCoy; wife, Linda McCoy; children, Wendy, Angela and Shane McCoy; sisters, Nancy, Kathy and LeAnn; and brother, Carl.

JUDITH YORK STANKOWITZ
Trapper Creek resident Judith York Stankowitz, 60, died June 12, 2000, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 18, at the Trapper Creek Elementary School, Mile 2 Petersville Road, Trapper Creek. 
Mrs. Stankowitz was born Aug. 18, 1939, in Jamestown, Tenn., to Luther and Georgia (Bertram) York. She attended the Yorkshire Institute in Jamestown and Bowling Green Business College. She moved to Alaska in 1980 and settled in Trapper Creek, where she owned the Trapper Creek Trading Post. 
She was a member of the Trapper Creek Methodist Church and enjoyed recreational gold mining and riding her four-wheeler. 
Mrs. Stankowitz is survived by her daughter, Catherine Cricket Stankowitz, of Trapper Creek; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn York and Jennifer Lynn Stankowitz, of Trapper Creek; stepson, James Stankowitz, of Arizona; sister, Peggy Ann Snider, of Trapper Creek, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her adopted children, Todd Evans and Shane Voelk, of Anchorage, and Milan Zivotic, of Trapper Creek, and her many, many friends. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rollie Bud Stankowitz in 1999. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503, or St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 505 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

WILLIAM TED S. MEEKS
Longtime Alaska resident William Ted S. Meeks, 73, died June 10, 2000, at home with his family after a battle with lung cancer. 
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 16, at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. 
Mr. Meeks was born Feb. 1, 1927, in Winterhaven, Calif., to Joe and Bessie Mae (Kenyon) Meeks. In February 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country in the South Pacific during World War II. 
On March 8, 1946, he married Ileen Lord, and they were together for 54 years. After two earlier visits to Alaska, in 1952 and 1959, he and his family came to Alaska in April 1967. Together, he and Ileen started Meeks Upholstery, which later grew into Meeks Industrial Tarps, which serviced the North Slope with environmental covering during the pipeline years. 
During retirement he and Ileen moved Outside to Oregon. Being true Alaskans, however, they returned to Alaska in 1988 and settled in Wasilla. At his home he pursued his many hobbies, consisting of boat building, writing poetry and watching his children and grandchildren grow and develop.
According to his family: Ted had an uncanny way of talking to and befriending people. He knew no strangers, only friends. 
Mr. Meeks is survived by his wife, Ileen; daughter and son-in-law, Frieda and Stephen Bryant; son and companion, Rod and Margaret; brother and sister-in-law, Glynn and Oweda Meeks; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

ORLA L. MEEHAN
Valley resident Orla L. Meehan, 52, died at Valley Hospital in Palmer on June 8, 2000. A memorial service was held June 12, at Kehls Palmer Mortuary Chapel in Palmer. 
Ms. Meehan was born Aug. 26, 1947, in Longview, Wash., to Oral and Nettie Gentry. She attended schools in Washington and moved to Alaska in 1984. She was a homemaker who enjoyed needlework, crafts and fishing. She also liked to dance and socialize with her friends. 
According to her family: She was the first person to help anyone; it didnt matter who, where or when. She knew what to say and not to say. The best listener you could have. She was everyones friend. 
Ms. Meehan is survived by her life partner, Curt Atchley; sons, David W. Spafford of Seattle and Thomas C. Spafford of Purdy, Wash.; and daughter, Lynette L. Blanchard of Marysville, Wash.

VIRGINIA MAE McCANTS
Wasilla resident Virginia Mae McCants, 59, died June 13, 2000, at Valley Hospital in Palmer, following a long illness.
No formal services will be held.
Mrs. McCants was born March 12, 1941, in Miles City, Mont. She was a high school graduate and first came to Alaska in 1975, during the pipeline construction.
She was a homemaker who lived in Anchorage from 1980-83, in Houston from 1983-84, and in Wasilla since 1984.
She enjoyed crocheting and gardening, and loved flowers.
Her family said: She will be greatly missed by all.
Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Albert James McCants; sons and daughters-in-law, Dwayne L. and Teresa McCants, Daryl R. McCants and Tara D. Gibbs; grandchildren, Dakota D. and Jeremiah A. McCants, Dustin T. Gibbs, Kimberly A. Lowry, and James Raymond McCants, all of Wasilla; parents, Carl and Hertha Hirsch; brother, Alvin Hirsch; sisters, Irene Johnson, Loretta Gaughan and Linda McCants, all of Montana.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

STANLEY ZABORAC
Longtime Palmer resident Stanley J. Zaborac, Jr., 66, died of heart failure June 22, 2000, at Valley Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, June 27, at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 Barrys Resort Road, Palmer ( Finger Lake). Inurnment will follow at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery and a reception will be held at the Palmer Moose Lodge afterward. 
Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Zaborac, Ben Cabo, Dick Giles, Ellis Breann, David Zaborac, Larry Steele and James Irvine.
Mr. Zaborac was born March 18, 1934, in Bemidji, Minn., to Stanley J. and Agnes (Durand) Zaborac Sr.
His family moved to Alaska in 1948 and settled in Palmer. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1951 and went on to attend Bemidji State Teachers College in 1952. He also attended the Chicago Institute of Baking.
He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage and a masters degree from the University of Arizona, Tucson.
He served in the U. S. Marine Corps for three years.
Mr. Zaborac worked as a baker for Piggly Wiggly and Carrs in Palmer and Anchorage. He worked for the state of Alaska at Alcantra Youth Camp as a correctional officer, and at various correctional facilities as superintendent until he retired in 1984. In addition, he taught criminology at the University of Alaska, Mat-Su campus.
He was a member of the Palmer Elks Lodge 1842, Palmer Moose Lodge 793, Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Pioneers of Alaska, Mat-Su Baseball, Palmer Senior Center, Alaska Peace Officers Association, American Federation of Police, AARP and the National Rifle Association. He was active in all Valley baseball programs from Little League to the Mat-Su Miners. 
His family stated: He donated his time, energy and skills to anyone who needed it, from the senior center to the Elks. He received numerous awards from various associations statewide and nationally. He enjoyed baseball, hunting, cooking, woodworking, civil service and his grandchildren.
Stan was a dedicated, loving family man who gave his time and efforts to any private or public service that needed his assistance. For the past 17 years he was devoted to his grandchildren.
Mr. Zaborac is survived by his wife, Nell; son, David, daughter and son-in-law, Mickie and James Irvine, all of Palmer; daughter, Roxeanna, of Fall City, Wash.; brother, Carl Zaborac, of Palmer, sister, Shirley, of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister, Pat, of Oregon; grandchildren, Jakob Zaborac, of Anchorage and Jayme and Dillon Irvine, of Palmer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests either financial donations or donations of time be made to Mat-Su Baseball Inc., P.O. Box 2690, Palmer, AK 99645.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

MICHAEL HOWARD CARR
Anchorage resident Michael H. Carr, 34, died July 1, 2000, near Wasilla.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 8, at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla, with Pastor Rick Cavens of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church of Anchorage officiating. 
Visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m. today and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow at Valley Funeral Home. His body will be laid to rest at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery. A post-burial gathering will be at his fathers home in Wasilla.
Mr. Carr was born April 4, 1966, in Ypsilanti, Mich. He moved to Alaska in 1976, and graduated from Wasilla High School in 1984, where he ran in cross-country competitions and played football. He was a journeyman electrician and lived and worked in many villages, including Bethel, Galena, Kipnuk and Kotzebue.
His special interests were baseball, hunting, fishing and snowmachining. He was also an avid long-distance runner and raced in national competitions in track and field events from the age of six.
His family said: Mike was a loving and caring son and a friend to everyone. His humor and easygoing manner portrayed his innocence toward life. He was always laughing and smiling. He lived life to the fullest and did it his way.
Survivors are his father and stepmother, Howard G. and Kathleen Carr, of Wasilla; mother, Lois B. Carr, of Anchorage; brother, Steven Carr, of Bethel; sister, Kimberly Carr, of Eugene, Ore.; daughter, Stephanie Moses-Carr, of Anchorage; son, Ferdinand Andrew, of Tuluksak; grandmother, Myrna Finley, of Ludington, Mich.; grandfather, Frank Yeager, of Ludington, Mich.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Michigan.

EARL WILLIAM "SKIP" GEARNS
Palmer resident Earl William "Skip" Gearns, 53, died June 29, 2000, at home, surrounded by his family, following a struggle with cancer.
No formal funeral services will be held.
Mr. Gearns was born March 21, 1947, in Northville, Mich. He graduated from high school in Clovis, Calif., and served in the U.S. Army.
He first lived in Alaska in 1973. He left for 10 years and returned to Palmer in 1983 to build a home and live out his life. He drove school buses for Laidlaw Transit in Palmer and loved all the children on his bus. He retired in 1999 due to illness.
He was a member of Farm Loop Christian Center, and loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping.
His family said: He was filled with love for all family, friends and neighbors. He helped everyone he could.
Survivors are his wife, Linda; daughters and sons-in-law, Tina and Pal Kanoa, Marni and Ladd Weiland, Monica and Robert Dallmann, and Kitty and Travis Hall; grandchildren, Lacie Pruitt, Nathaniel Shell, Venisha Ling, Talon Gamble, Eric Hamann, Cassidy, Hayli and Blake Weiland, Jesse and Valleri Dallmann, Rebel and Ransom, and Conner and Candler; parents, Art and Mary Wilson, of California; brothers, Chuck Gearns, of Fresno, Calif., Larry Crawford, of Clovis, Calif., Tim McCullough, of Colorado, and John Scafide and Tony Jones, of Palmer; and nieces and nephews, T. J. and Buffy McCullough, and Chuck Jr. and Amanda Gearns.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

ROBERT EUGENE LEE
Robert Eugene Lee, 72, of Cochise, Ariz., died July 2, 2000, in Tucson, Ariz., with his family at his side. Services were held July 10 at East Lemonweir Lutheran Church, Elroy, Wis. 
Robert E. Lee was born June 9, 1928, to Henry and Hazel Lee in the Township of Fountain, Juneau County, Wis. Mr. Lee was confirmed in 1942 at Lemonweir Lutheran Church in Elroy. He graduated from Elroy High School in 1945. 
On Dec. 10, 1947, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Louise Ormson, whom he had known from the age of 8 years. Mr. Lee served in the National Guard during the Korean conflict and held the rank of sergeant. 
He farmed in the Elroy area until 1960 when he moved to Union Grove, Wis. Following his retirement Robert lived in Holmen, Wis.; Casa Granda, Ariz.; Eagle River; and Cochise, Ariz. 
His family said: An avid hunter, fisherman and storyteller, dad was always proud to introduce himself as Robert E. Lee. His passion was racing horses, riding and hunting dogs. Dad spoke often of his adventures of hunting in the hills of Wisconsin with his fox coon hounds. He loved to travel and told stories everywhere he went. Loving Alaska, he fished alongside his sons during the summers, landing king salmon and halibut. He will always remain our western hero.
Mr. Lee is survived by his lovely wife of 52 years, Mary Louise (Ormson) Lee; children, Christine (Douglas) McCallum of Sussex, Wis., John (Joanna) Lee, Palmer, and Ron Lee, Anchorage; brothers, Arthur (Caroline) Lee, Black River Falls, Wis., and Gordon Lee, La Farge, Wis.; aunt, Romelle Kingston, Monona, Wis.; and his grandchildren, Brad and Laura McCallum, Reanna and Robert Conrad Lee and Sherilee Sullivan. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hazel Lee; and brothers, Raymond and Allen Lee. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wilcox, Ariz. 

DONALD RAY IRSIK
Wasilla resident Donald Ray Irsik, 58, died at his home July 7, 2000.
Services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.
Mr. Irsik was born Feb. 10, 1942, in Garden City, Kan. He became an Alaska resident in 1986, residing in Wasilla. He was a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Army who served a combat tour in Vietnam. He retired from military service in March 1990 with multiple commendations and awards, and will be buried with full military honors.
Besides his military career, Mr. Irsik had also worked at Mat-Su College in Palmer for seven years. He was a member of Family Christian Center and received awards for his volunteer work with Valley Crisis Pregnancy Center and with Habitat for Humanity. His main hobbies and interests were using his skills as a carpenter.
His family stated: Donald was a dedicated husband and father who will be forever cherished in the hearts of family and friends.
Mr. Irsik is survived by his wife, Sandy Irsik; children, Chuck, Christopher, Mark, and Jill Irsik, and Donna Carr; grandchildren, Tyler, Shelby, and Anthony Irsik and Lil Joe Carr; mother, Thelma Irsik; sister, Joyce Carr; and brothers, J.D. and Gary Irsik.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Donald Irsiks name, at 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK. 99508, or by calling (907) 357- 4760 or 1-800-227-2345.
Interment will be at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.

NAOMI DARLENE RIVERS
Talkeetna resident Naomi Darlene Rivers, 54, died July 4, 2000, at Mile 51.5 Chena Hot Springs Road between Fairbanks and Chena, of injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.
A memorial service was held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, at the Susitna Valley High School, Mile 99 Parks Hwy. The service was followed by a time of fellowship and sharing, with a potluck dinner.
A visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon yesterday, at the Montana Creek Baptist Church, Mile 99 Parks Hwy., with the funeral at 2 p.m. 
Pastors Dave Sutton and Jerry Etherton officiated, with Pastor Mano Carbon, of St. Maarten, Caribbean, as the special speaker. She was to interred at Talkeetna Village Cemetery.
Ms. Rivers was born April 10, 1946, in Denver. She received her RN degree from Emanuel Hospital Nursing College, of Omaha, Neb., which was followed with a bachelors degree in nursing from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.
She had been a resident of Alaska since 1971 and worked with her husband, Larry R. Rivers, managing a guiding operation. 
The couple, loved the time in the wilderness managing their hunting camps in the Brooks Range for 23 years, according to Ms. Rivers family.
Ms. Rivers attended the Montana Creek Baptist Church.
Her family wrote that she had a heart for the kids, and was active in the local churches and youth groups. Her home and heart was always open to kids with needs, and the house was filled with song, kids and laughter many nights of the week.
Her special interests were praying for her family and the community in which she lived. She loved long motorcycle trips, and travel across the world with her husband. 
Her first love was always for the Lord, her husband and her children, her family wrote. Naomi was what made our house a home. Her dedication to the needs of her family was beyond understanding. She believed her calling was to be a wife for Larry, to be beside him always. 
She is survived by her husband, Larry R. Rivers, of Talkeetna; son, Kelly S. Rivers, of St. Petersburg, Russia; daughters, H. Lanae Rivers, of Seattle, and S. Rebecca Rivers, of Chicago; grandson, Andrew D. Rivers, of St. Petersburg, Russia; brother, Conrad Lapp, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and sisters, Ruth Harvey, of Toccoa, Ga., and Matilda Franks, of Milwaukee, Wis.
Memorial donations may be made to the Montana Creek Baptist Church.
Arrangements were made by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home, 415 Illinois St., in Fairbanks.

ELIZABETH BETH LORENE ARTHUR
Elizabeth Beth Lorene Arthur, 35, of Anchorage died July 9, 2000, in Fairbanks, surrounded by Gods beautiful Alaskan woods. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at St. John Lutheran Church on Elmwood Street in Palmer. A short burial service will be held afterward at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery, followed by a wake celebrating her life at Palmer Moose Lodge.
The family sincerely invites all friends to help them end a difficult day by sharing a potluck dinner, the music that Ms. Arthur loved to work and dance with, and any stories about her generosity and kind deeds.
Ms. Arthur was born Oct. 4, 1964, in Medford, Ore., to Jerry and Aedene Arthur. After residing with her teacher parents in Eagle Point and Oregon City, she came with them to Anchorage in August 1968. Moving with her parents to various places in Alaska, she made friends in Fairbanks, Tanana, Ruby, Galena, Dillingham, Seldovia and Palmer. 
The best memories of Ms. Arthurs childhood were the eight years in New Stuyahok, on the Nushagak River, where she attended elementary and three years of high school. She graduated from Monmouth High in Monmouth, Ore., in 1981. She attended college at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Travel School in Portland, Ore., and graduated from business school in Alaska in 1985.
She worked in various capacities in office management, including positions at South Central Health Center and as a Kelly Girl in Anchorage, as well as executive secretary to the CEO of a health institute in New York from 1980 to 1987. 
She was best known as the manager and cooking partner of her companion, Medzit Limani, at Alaska Flapjacks in Spenard, and Limanis Bar and Grill in Palmer during the 1990s. 
Ms. Arthur is survived by her daughter, Brenna Elizabeth Lorene Arthur, and her partner and significant other of 15 years, Medzit Limani, of Albanian heritage. She was deeply loved by her parents, Jerry and Aedene Arthur, of Palmer; sister, Tana Jerene Arthur-Blum and husband, Charles Blum; and cherished her niece and nephew, Zaya Joelene Arthur-Gunton and Little Aaron Arthur Blum, all of Anchorage. Palmer survivors also include sister-in-law, Trina Arthur and grandparents, Burton and Delta Jenson. 
She is also survived by friends of all ethnic backgrounds who loved Beth as a sister, especially the many loyal employees who worked with her and many in Alaskas Albanian community that she helped in a variety of capacities, as she spoke fluent Albanian and could serve as translator. 
Ms. Arthurs family wrote: Our beloved Beth confronted the joys, tasks, and challenges of life with ferocious strength, courage, generosity and energy. She loved her daughter and companion with all her heart. She was a wonderfully protective big sister to Aaron and Tana. Auntie especially cherished her niece and nephew because she could not have more children of her own after the many treatments she had withstood throughout two battles with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant. She faced adversity with tremendous courage, strength and a positive attitude, and was an inspiration and cheerleader to other patients and staff at University of Washington Hospital over the months she was there as a patient. In 1994, after receiving a bone-marrow transplant, she was back at Alaska Flapjacks three weeks later baking her famous pies for her loyal customers. She and Medzit provided free Thanksgiving dinners to anyone who walked in the doors of their restaurants for several years, as well as donating many items and services to schools and the community. 
Beth was a lady of many talents, whether it was cooking (especially her bread and Eskimo ice cream), sewing clothes for her family, gardening, or producing a variety of excellent items on her computer. She was especially proud of the booklet she helped make in memory of her brother, and worked hard to make both her brothers and sisters weddings memorable. Unfortunately, as the pain of the medical procedures, medicines, and hardships she had endured weakened her body, Beth fought against substance-abuse problems, resulting in the loss of our Bethie under tragic circumstances. While our hearts are broken as we care for her earthly remains, we know she lives on in our hearts and memories and it is some comfort to think her spirit can now visit and laugh with her brother that she missed so much. We will remember her sparking smile, her generous spirit, and as the Albanians say Bethie had a good heart.
Beth was preceded in death by her brother, Aaron Joseph Arthur, in the March 1999 avalanche in Turnagain Pass; and grandparents, Erb and Grace Arthur, and uncle, Joe Arthur, of Hood River, Ore. The family would be happy with friends bringing beautiful flowers from their garden for Ms. Arthurs services. 
The Palmer Lions Club is setting up an account with MVFCU for a college fund for Brenna Arthur. Checks may be made out at this time to Palmer Lions for Brenna Arthur, and send to Palmer Lions, P.O. Box 393, Palmer, AK 99645. The family will also be working in the areas of prevention of substance abuse and support of leukemia research, as well as avalanche awareness in memory of both children. 
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

SCOTT DOUGLAS WHITE
Anchorage resident Scott Douglas White, 41, was found deceased on July 10, 2000, at his residence.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla, with Pastor Duane Hanson officiating. His ashes will be placed at the family homestead in Wasilla.
Mr. White was born Oct. 1, 1958, at the Old Providence Hospital in Anchorage, to Betty and Ellis White. He was baptized at Lutheran Church of Hope by Pastor Glenn Groth. He attended confirmation at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Anchorage under Pastor Rick Halvorson. He went to grade school and high school in the Sand Lake area.
During his early working years, he lived in Bethel, where he became purchasing agent for the Lower Kuskokwin School District. In later years he worked for wholesale food suppliers in Anchorage. At the time of his death he was employed at Costco in Anchorage.
His family wrote: For most of his life Scott struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs. Having been in treatment several times, his addiction continued to return until his death. Scott was an intelligent, resourceful person who had the ability to perform well almost any task. Scott was a caring person who maintained a close relationship to his family. He will be remembered for his good sense of humor and his friendly manner. Scott was deeply loved by his family and friends.
Mr. White is survived by his mother and father; sisters, Sally Johnson and Kathryn Broady; and brother, James White, all of Wasilla; brother, Richard White, of Healy; and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family requests that memorials be given to the Wasilla Food Pantry, 501 East Bogard Road, Wasilla AK 99654.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

TIN LEA STROPKAI
Tin Lea Stropkai passed away in her sleep on July 19, 2000. There will be a memorial get-together for Tin on Saturday, July 22, 2000, at 3 p.m. at her daughter Michael Boshears home. All of Tins friends are welcome to come and share memories. 
We know that Tin would prefer that no black be worn at this casual gathering of family and friends. 
Tin has danced over to the other sideas she said so many times, and were sure she is happy in the arms of her husband, Mike, and basking in the loving smile of her son, Scotty. Were equally sure she would want her loved ones to share in her happiness. 
For directions, please call her daughters Judy Carothers, Regan Wright or Michael Boshears.

THOMAS E. SCHMIDT
Former Alaskan Thomas E. Schmidt, 67, of Port Townsend, Wash., died July 16, 2000, in Seattle, after a brief illness. 
Mr. Schmidt was born in Dickenson, N.D., in 1932. He grew up in Yakima, Wash., and moved to Alaska in 1957. During his 40 years in Alaska, Mr. Schmidt resided in Anchorage, where he worked for 20 years as a dispatcher for Alaska Aggregate Corp. (ALACGO). Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Loretta (Lulu), built and operated Lulus Nursery for 20 years in Palmer.
Mr. Schmidt is survived by his wife of 48 years, Loretta; his sister, Dolores Dauenhauer-Mormon and her husband, Bob, of Richland, Wash.; daughter, Susan and son-in-law Ed Thompson, of Boise, Idaho; daughter, Cindy and son-in-law Dean Zinck, of Renton, Wash.; son, Thomas and daughter-in-law Donia Schmidt, of Anchorage; daughter, Sharon Edwards, of Fairbanks; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Services were held on July 18 at Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, Burien, Wash. 

HEDWIG MADELINE HIGGINS
Hedwig Madeline Higgins, 81, who recently relocated to Wasilla to live with her sister, longtime resident Irene Yaskolski, died at home July 16, 2000. 
Services were held July 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla with con celebrants Archbishop Francis Hurley, Rev. Kasparaj Mallavarapu, Rev. Edward Gicewicz and Rev. Stan Allie. Public visitations preceded the service. A reception followed the service prior to interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery. 
Ms. Higgins was born April 21, 1919, in Worchester, Massachusetts. She was a retired manager of the accounts receivable department of Wackenhut Corp., of Coral Gables, Fla. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Clinton Higgins. 
Ms. Higgins is survived by her brother, Rev. Edward Gicewicz; sister, Irene Yaskolski; daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Robert Redell; son and daughter-in-law, James Christopher and Mary Higgins; grandchildren, Robert and his wife, Sherry Lowe, Timothy and Heidi Redell, Jeremy and Leah Bright and David Higgins; great-granddaughter, Audrey Lowe Redell; sister-in-law, Margaret Gicewicz; nieces, Claudia Spears, Leslie, Donna and Nicolette Gicewicz and Shelia King; and nephews, Mark and Noel Gicewicz.
Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home of Wasilla.

ELOISE E. NIESEN
Wasilla resident Eloise Eleanor (Punches) Niesen, 67, died July 13, 2000, at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark., from complications of multiple myeloma. 
A funeral service was scheduled for 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla, with her brother-in-law, Dick Bowen, officiating.
Interment was at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery. 
Mrs. Niesen was born Feb. 8, 1933, in Muskegon, Mich., to Lawrence L. and Flora H. (Buchholz) Punches. 
She came to Alaska in 1951, and resided in Seward from 1951-1965, in Anchorage from 1965-1977, in Big Lake from 1977-1999, and in Wasilla since 1999. 
She was the owner of Coiffure Cache from 1970 to 1973, was a realtor for Marston Properties and Re/Max during the 1980s, and the owner of Days Remembered Crafts in Wasilla from 1987 to 1994. 
She was a member of Valley Worship Center. 
Her family said: Mom was a loving and generous mother whose dignity and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her. She had a kind and giving spirit and unwavering faith in God. We could not have wished for a more wonderful mother. 
Survivors are her children, Randy Niesen, of Terrebonne, Ore., Laurie Ebenezer, of Kailua, Kona, Hawaii, Lana Anderson, of Anchorage, and Greg J. Niesen, of Chugiak; mother, Flora Punches, of Wasilla; sisters, Virginia Bowen, of Wasilla, and Dorothy Christ, of Clayton, Wash.; brother, Bill Punches, of Las Vegas, Nev.; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

JOHN L. GILBERT
Wasilla resident John Lawrence Gilbert, 65, died July 9, 2000, at home.
No local services are planned. His ashes will be scattered on top of Mount McKinley and a marker will be placed at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. 
Mr. Gilbert was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Fitchburg, Mass. He was a graduate of Fitchburg High School. He served in the U.S. Army and he came to Alaska in 1970. He had previously resided in Bethel, Anchorage and Fairbanks. He had been employed as a welder and ironworker and belonged to the Iron Workers Union. 
Family and friends said: He was loved, misunderstood, and will be remembered and missed by many. May God rest your soul. 
Survivors are sons, John, Steve, Scott, Jeff and Arnie; daughters, Susan Tyrell, Cheryl Nolan, and Lynda Gilbert; brother, Lenny; sisters, Joyce, Donna and Anne; and David and Melody Sayen, and their children, Jamilee, Brandon, Kimberly and Kody, the family he lived with and was loved by. 
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

PAUL F. FRYE
Long-time Palmer resident Paul F. Frye, 49, passed away at home on July 16, 2000, after a long and brave battle with cancer. A funeral Mass was held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer. 
Honorary pallbearers wereLane Moffitt, of McCarthy, Sam Hermon, Kay Omer, Tim Baughman, Jerry Reinhart and Tim McKenzie, of Palmer. Nephew,Dalton Benson will be altar server.
Following the service there will be an informal gathering of family and friends at the Palmer Moose Lodge. 
Mr. Frye was born Jan. 27, 1951, in Jefferson City, Mo. His family moved to Palmer in 1960 and has remained there ever since. He attended two years of high school at Palmer Senior High and graduated in 1969 in Fort Worth, Texas. 
He worked on the Alaska Pipeline and for the state of Alaska before becoming employed with the Mat-Su School District in 1981. During the 19 years Mr. Frye was employed by the school district, he made many close friends at Swanson and Butte elementary schools. 
Mr. Frye loved fishing, yard work, and spending time with his family and friends. He was also a member of the Palmer Moose Lodge. 
His family said: Paul was a loving and devoted father, who always put his family first. During his battle with cancer, Paul was able to drive his daughter home from college in Idaho, and help his youngest daughter with her daily horse responsibilities. 
Mr. Frye was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bette Frye, of Farmington, Mo., previously of Anchorage. Mr. Frye is survived by his daughters, Ivy June and Lyla Grace Frye; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Don Benson, of Palmer, Jane Lee, of Palmer, and Jennifer and Joe Guerrero, of Wasilla; niece, Jessica Leather and nephews, Dalton Benson and Joshua Guerrero. He is also survived by his fiancee, Dawn Goble; and the staff and students at Butte Elementary School. 
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, Mat-Su Unit, P.O. Box 431, Palmer, AK 99645, or to an education fund for Ivy and Grace, in care of Sharon Benson, P.O. Box 4059, Palmer, AK 99645. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

PATRICK P. GREW
Wasilla resident Patrick P. Grew, 47, died July 11, 2000, at his home after a long illness, with family and friends at his side. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 29, beginning at 3 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses at Big Lake. 
Mr. Grew was born March 17, 1953, in Buffalo, N.Y. He had lived in Alaska since 1972, residing first in Anchorage until 1983, and then in Wasilla. Mr. Grew owned Buffalo Construction. In the 1970s and 1980s, he had been a member of the carpenters local union. 
His family wrote: Pat knew well the meaning of an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. There are many stories of Pats unwavering loyalty to his friends, coworkers and family that will be recounted again and again. 
Mr. Grew is survived by his wife, Lexi K. Grew; son, Grant P. Grew; father, Arthur G. Grew; brothers and sisters, James Grew, David Grew, Mary Pat Cowles, Paul Grew, Terry Grew, Richard Grew, Kathy Marsh, Kevin Grew, Joseph Grew, Martha Whittington, Deborah Shock, Jeri Wilson and Danny Grew; his mother-in-law, Sherrill Wittner; sister and brother-in-law, Kalan and Leo Morrissette; brother-in-law, Eric Wittner; and many nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen. 
Donations on behalf of his son may be sent to P.O. Box 871821, Wasilla, AK 99687.

Kenneth James Kramer
Palmer resident Kenneth James Kramer, 11, died July 12, 2000, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in Portage. A funeral was held at Valley Funeral Home. Mr. Mayer, Kenneths fifth-grade teacher, spoke at the funeral. 
A second service was held at Little Chapel in Cordova, with Gary Barnes officiating. Jim Kramer, Dean Kramer, David Glasen, Marc Steele and John Knapp served as pallbearers. Burial was at Cordova cemetery. 
Kenneth was born March 20, 1989, in Cordova. He moved to Palmer in September 1989. He was a fifth-grade student at Cottonwood Creek Elementary School. 
His family wrote: Kenneth was outstanding in regard to school fund-raising activities. He received first-place honors for top individual sales several times. He enjoyed basketball and biking and was a commercial fisherman with his paternal grandfather, David Glasen, and his cousin, Kevin Blake. 
Kenneth was loved and adored by all who knew him. He was a very special young man with a sweet heart who showed kindness to all. He shared a special friendship with all his cousins. He went to heaven with his cousin, Kevin, at his side. 
Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Daryl Kramer. 
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Kramer; brother, Kyle Kramer; paternal grandparents, David and Patsy Glasen; maternal grandparents, Gregory and Donna Knapp; maternal great-grandmother, Jesse Tiedeman; aunts and uncles, Dean and Kerir Kramer, Jim and Lynette Kramer, David and Carrie Glasen, Sue and Tim Johnson, Chrissy and Marc Steele, Sherry Johnson, Tara and Katie Knapp, John and Gregory Knapp and Ed Vlasoff; and many cousins. The family has requested memorial contributions be directed to the Kramer family, 403 E. Auklet Ave., Palmer, AK 99645.

PATRICK W. KINGSTON
Willow resident Patrick W. Kingston, 50, died at his home on July 26, 2000. No local services are planned at this time. Mr. Kingston was born in Baytown, Texas, on Feb. 21, 1950, to Morris Edward and Ona Lee (Owen) Kingston. 
He attended schools there. He moved to Alaska in 1990, settling in the Willow area. He worked as an artist and enjoyed the Alaska outdoors. 
His family wrote: Pat was a great friend to everyone who spent any time with him. He was a loving son and father. He was Gods servant and child, who helped anyone who needed help. He was very generous and a spreader of Gods will. With the help of a friend he helped families who came to Alaska to hunt and fish to survive. 
Mr. Kingston is survived by his father, M.E. Kingston; mother, Ona Melton; brother, Mike Kingston; daughter, Kary Lynn Hockett and husband, Michael; nephew, Dale Kingston and wife, Shana; niece, Deana McBride and husband, Brad; great-nephews, Tyler and Kyle Kingston, all of Texas. He is also survived by his friends in Alaska. Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.

MILDRED C. URBAN
Mildred C. Urban, 86, died Aug. 2, 2000, from adenocarcinoma, at home in Wasilla.
Private services will be held by the family.
Mrs. Urban was born Dec. 19, 1913, in Chicago. She was a high school graduate and a homemaker. She lived in Tomahawk, Wis., from 1936 to 1969, and moved to Alaska in 1969.
Her family said: Mom loved to cook and bake. She always took care of her family. She loved the Lord and was a brave lady. She had a great sense of humor and will be sadly missed by her family and her dog, Heidi.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Urban, and her daughter, Judy Erlitz.
Survivors are her daughter, Joyce Nick of Wausau, Wis.; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Larry Vincent of Palmer; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; and sister, Shirley Boehlke of Glendale, Ariz.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 500 W. International Airport Road, Suite A, Anchorage, AK 99518.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.

DONALD LEE FIDLER JR.
Palmer resident Donald Lee Fidler Jr., 48, passed away July 31, 2000, at his hand-built cabin. A funeral service was held Aug. 4.
Mr. Fidler was born in Salina, Kan., on Sept. 18, 1951, to Donald Lee and Eula Lee (Lingo) Fidler. He graduated from Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore., in 1993 with an associates degree in applied science. He served in the U. S. Navy from Oct. 12, 1971 to Feb. 18, 1975.
He came to Alaska to pursue a dream. This is just what he did. With hard work and dedication, he built a log cabin from trees he cut down on his property. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors; fishing, hunting, relaxing and working on his cabin. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
He was famous for tinkering with odds and ends. He played pool and in his spare time he taught others to play pool. When it came to helping the community, he was always ready to lend a hand. 
His family wrote: Everyone loved you very much, you touched the hearts of everyone you met. He will always be in everyones heart. Thank you for being the best dad, grandpa, son, brother, uncle and friend that anyone could ever ask for. Dad, theres always a place for you in our hearts. You will be loved and missed always. We love you.
Mr. Fidler is survived by his son, Donald Heath Fidler; daughter, Chellonda Lorraine Fidler; grandson, Austin Taylor Fidler; father, Donald Lee Fidler; brother and sisters, Sheila Lynne Fidler; Sharon Kaye Thomas, David James Fidler, Norman Thomas Fidler, Jerry Dean Fidler and Mark Raymond Fidler. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Lee Fidler. Arrangements for the family were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.