Obituaries

June 12, 1951-January 15, 2023 Moe was born on June 12, 1951 to John Toopetlook Sr. and Helena Azzerella of Nunapitchuk. Moe was survived by his wife Martha of 47 years, together with their children; […]

Doris W Bonilla, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday November 29. She was a child of Carlton and Marie Wehunt of Joanna, SC. She is survived by […]

Jason Lance Knight, age 35, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home on Pates Hill Rd. He enjoyed hunting and anything outdoors. He will always be missed and loved forever. Jason is survived […]

Bryan Allen Schwartz of Springfield, Missouri born to Robert and Ella (Allen) Schwartz, June 19, 1960, in Granite City Illinois passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Cordova Alaska, leaving 62 years of memories […]

Georgiann Merumalria Thompson Kannenberg, the daughter of Anna David and James Roland (JR) Thompson was born on October 10, 1971 in Bethel, Alaska. Georgiann passed away at the age of 50 on April 26, 2022 […]

Laura Angela Kylook, 90, of Bethel, peacefully died on July 25, 2022 with her children by her side. She was born on May 17, 1932 at Fish Village, AK to Xavier Afcan and Clara (Phillip) […]

Jerome “Jerry” Rogauskas, born September 22th, 1945 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, August 7th, 2022, in Lincoln City, Oregon. He is proceeded in death by his father, Frank Rogauskas, and his mother, Anna […]

Billy Norbert Westlock, lovingly named after Aupalria & Aurralria, was born in Bethel on November 20, 1972 to Gordon Sr. and Nora Westlock. He entered Eternal Life on July 4, 2022. Billy was well-known to […]

Loving wife, mother and grandmother, Donna J. Chris, 79, passed away peacefully July 28, 2022, at her home in Big Lake, Alaska. Donna was born May 19, 1943, in Queens, NY, to Edwin and Helen […]

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth, Amen. Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostril the breath of life, and then man […]

In memory of Bea Kristovich, whose journey on this earth ended June 2, 2022, we would like to share this poem with you. She will forever be in our hearts, and while we miss her […]

After a long battle with cancer, Peter John Ebertz joined our Lord in Heaven on May 22nd, 2022, surrounded by loving prayers and hymns from his children, and siblings. Peter (Pete) was born October 26, […]

Mary Mellick, aged 90, passed away on October 20, 2021, in Anchorage. Mary was born February 22, 1931, in Nogamut, a now-abandoned settlement on the Holitna River. Raised in Sleetmute, Mary was the eldest of […]

The AVCP Executive Board and Staff offer condolences to the immediate and extended family of Bea Kristovich. Bea was born in Napaimute and lived most of her life in Bethel. She was a leader for […]

Laverne Howard Shimanek, 88, peacefully passed on to His Savior Jesus, on May 11, 2022, at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. His devotion to family and expressive faith in God were the hallmarks […]

Donald Lee Fancher was born in Bethel, Alaska, on January 30, 1955 to Elizabeth Wassilie and Edward Giarraputo. He was later adopted by Maxwell and Gladys Fancher. Don grew up in Bethel, Alaska, and attended […]

From The Family of Congressman Don Young: The Honorable Donald Edwin Young was the fourth Congressman to serve all of Alaska and the 45th Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. He passed away peacefully […]

Retired Major William “Bill” Hately Sr., 83, passed away at home amongst family and friends after a long battle with chronic illnesses. He was born April 29, 1938, in Bethel, Alaska to Katherine (nee Thomas) […]

On February 16, 2022, Harold Edward Garrison Jr. “Pete”, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Anchorage, Alaska after a long courageous battle against metastatic colon cancer while surrounded by […]

Third-generation Alaskan, banker and philanthropist Edward Bernard Rasmuson died on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. He succumbed to a particularly vicious brain cancer, following a year of treatment. He was […]

Captain Steve Hoffmans Last Log Entry Captain Stephan (Steve) Merrill Hoffman passed away on December 20 at the age of 62. He was born in Bethel, Alaska on June 4, 1959. Steve was 6th in […]

Mary “Aassten” (Menegak) Chikoyak, 79, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Alaska Native Medical Center. On Friday, December 10, 2021, her funeral service was held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church […]

Henry E. Ivanoff passed away in the comforts of his home in Mekoryuk. He was born to Caroline Jones and Mischa Ivanoff at Nash Harbor on Nunivak Island on February 10, 1935. Following the passing […]

James Angalgaq Nicholai was born on June 27, 1942, in Nalqigliq near Luumarvik to Qakvaralria Charlie and Culuk’aq Julia Nicholai. He grew up with his brothers Andrew Nicholai Sr., John Nicholai Sr., Peter Nicholai, Henry […]

Thomas Michael Sharkey passed away on November 2, 2021. All Souls’ Day, surrounded by his brothers and wife of 31 years, Geraldine Sharkey. Tom was born September 20, 1954 in Oceanside, California to Eugene & […]

Anchorage resident Jean Hull, 79, died Oct. 12, 2021, at her home with family and hospice caregivers by her side. Visitation will be held Oct. 27, 2021 at Legacy Funeral Homes at 1707 South Bragaw […]

Patrick Pete Minock, a highly respected Yup’ik artist, passed away peacefully at home, on September 18, 2021. A viewing will be held Tuesday at 2 PM at the Legacy funeral home. 1707 Bragaw Street, Anchorage, […]

Today, we celebrate the life of Romana “Gail” Phillips. Gail fought courageously but lost her ultimate re-election to the rigors of cancer on March 25, 2021. She passed peacefully surrounded by family, friends, and messages […]

Gloria Ann Fitka was born to the late Willie Fitka Sr. and Lorraine Fitka on Sept. 23, 1953 in Mt. Edgecumbe. She was raised in Marshall along with her parents, siblings and the rest of […]

Mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and nice to many, and friend and cousin to all – Jamie Martha Ann Brink, Cangarraq, was born August 11, 1987 to William and Marvella Brink. She was a devoted […]

Mr. Joseph Aurr Coolidge Sr., born to Calvin K. Coolidge and Sophie K. Coolidge (Mezak) on April 22, 1941, in a remote subsistence campsite named Quuyacaur (translated as the narrow part of the river) painted […]

George B. Nevak worked as a maintenance man with B.I.A. and L.K.S.D. for many years in Toksook Bay and retired after 30+ years. Each of his children had fond memories of him that are dear […]

Alaska Native Michael Wassilie, 80, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021 at his home in Kenai. Funeral services will be held at St. Agaphia Orthodox Church in Tuntutuliak. Pallbearers will be Michael Wassilie , Jr., […]

Born in the steel mill town of Weirton, West Virginia, Deborah Lee Sadler was raised by her grandparents Harold and Martha Leuthke. Despite the black soot commonly raining down from the stacks of nearby blast […]

Jack Lee “Caavialuq” Hopstad was born in Platinum, Alaska on August 24, 1951 to Olaf and Mildred Hopstad, and entered into eternal life May 7, 2021. Jack’s parents met in Bethel and married in 1951, […]

Nate Scott Hoffman the only son born to Carolyn Moses & Eric Hoffman. Gracing his family w/ his presence on April 30, 1984. Nate passed away unexpectedly w/ his family at his side on December […]

Anthony E. Peterson was born in old Andreafsky January 23, 1947 to George Peterson and his Mother Mary Nayamin Peterson. The Lord called him home on December 18, 2020. When his parents died, he went […]

Martha Clara Chiklak, Yup’ik name “Apuren” but known as Panik, was born to Mary Emmanual and Charlie Peterson on November 12, 1941 at Owl Village. She was raised by Charlie and Lucinda Peterson. Lord called […]

When John Sackett was just 4 years old, he listened to a man scream in pain for three days before dying. The man needed a catheter. None was available in their remote village, Cutoff, on […]

Nancy Lee Haney passed peacefully with her husband at her side on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at Providence Alaska Medical Center, from an inoperable internal hemorrhage. Her Alaska Celebration of Life will take place at […]

Genevieve “Beaver” Brothers was born on Thursday, February 17, 1966 in Bethel, Alaska to Ruth and Elias Venes, and was the 8th of 10 daughters. Genevieve was a graduate of Bethel Regional High Scool, class […]

Father Charles Jon (Chuck) Peterson, SJ, 82, pastoral minister to Native peoples in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, died December 24, 2020, in San Jose, California, of complications of Covid-19. Fr. Peterson was born November […]

Charlotte Jascinta Yuulliir Phillip, 85, lovingly known to her younger siblings, cousins, and sibling-in-laws as Al’aq, meaning eldest sister in Yup’ik, lived at Alakanuk, AK and passed away at ANMC hospital, Anchorage, AK on December […]

Frank “Ungus’aq” Temple, 75, was born on September 24th, 1945 to Henry and Alma Temple in Napakiak, Alaska and passed away at his home in Bethel, Alaska surrounded by family and loved ones on January […]

Evelyn Tutu’tuaq Pete Elliott was born November 6, 1940 to William and Cecilia Pete, in Bethel. A fluent Yup’ik speaker, she attended elementary at Holy Cross Mission, where she helped nuns and priests communicate with […]

Alaska’s oldest military veteran and Kenai resident Hallie Odessa (Williams) Dixon, 104, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Kenai. A viewing was held from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. […]

Harry George Peterson passed away peacefully on November 29, 2020 in Anchorage, Alaska virtually surrounded with family members sharing prayers, music, encouragement and loving words. He was born to Charlie Peterson and Julia Ann Peterson […]

Bavilla Merritt of Goodnews Bay passed peacefully in his home on December 6, 2020. He was born on January 23, 1939. Bavilla married Annie Merritt, his girls were Carolyn, Karin and husband Tucker Evans, Sharon, […]

by Ned Rozell “On winter mornings, just as the sun’s uncertain light slopes across the Tanana Flats, ravens fly over my log cabin on their daily commute to town. Perhaps, like me, they would prefer […]

Alaska has lost one of her great leaders. State Senator Jalmar M. “Jay” Kerttula died Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Juneau, a man whose dedication to Alaskans and the land has been unwavering. Sen. Kerttula […]

by Ned Rozell Will Harrison, who knew the world’s bumpy plains of ice as well as his old neighborhood in Saint John, New Brunswick, has died. He was 84. From his arrival at the Geophysical […]

Reverend Irvin Baxter, Jr. died Tuesday after complications from Covid-19. He was 75. Rev. Baxter was a United Pentecostal Church minister, radio and television host, evangelist, author, and biblical scholar who hosted the internationally syndicated […]

Marie Riley was the Eldest daughter of Paul and Sophie Guy. She was born on July 25, 1960 and passed away on October 31, 2020. Marie was blessed to live 60 years. Marie had a […]

David Michael Verlinich, 67, died on September 27, 2020 in Clinton Township, Michigan. A gathering to share stories and memories will be held in Alaska next summer. Dave is survived by his daughters, Emily Jan […]

Thank you all for your kindness and for comforting us during the loss of our beloved Priscilla Rachael Chris. She was our daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. We, the family of Priscilla would […]

If you talk to any of her eight surviving children, their spouses, twenty-five grandchildren, twenty-four greats, all the nieces, nephews, and cousins, they will tell you this small woman Maria Moses known as Cup’aq welcomed […]

Dr. George Paul Charles – Kanaqlak George Paul Charles was born on at Punugtali Nelson Island, Alaska on 2/13/1941. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on 9/8/2020 in Bethel Alaska. George was born to […]

Qimagag’er was a loved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, mother, grandmother, a great grandmother, a partner, and a friend. She passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side. Qimaga’er was born to Walter & Nona […]

by Mark Leary “What you wearing Jake from State Farm?” We used to tease Jacob about that T.V. commercial all the time. He’d laugh and say “Uhh… Khakis” I first came to know Jacob as […]

With great sadness and surrounded by family, Karen Haugen, passed away the 19th of August. A visitation was held on Friday, August 28th at 12:00 noon at Janssen’s Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street. Following […]

Theresa Miissaq Chiklak was born in Bethel, AK on February 02, 1978 to Alphonsus and Martha Chiklak Sr. The Lord called her home on April 18, 2020. She grew up and attended school in Mountain […]

Glenna Dell Green Lefner, 85, of Medford Oregon and long-time resident of Bethel, Alaska, passed away on July 12, 2020 at Medford, Oregon. A family memorial service is scheduled for November, 2020. She will be […]

Longtime Alaskan and Kenai resident Mr. Gary Allan Knopp, 63, died on Friday, July 31, 2020, in a tragic plane accident near Soldotna, Alaska. Gary was born on July 14, 1957, in Whitefish, Montana. He […]

On August 7, 2020, Martina Rose Ayaprun Rapoza went to be with our Lord. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family after battling cancer. Martina was born on July 19, 1966, to […]

Mary Jane Fate was a visionary leader and influential advocate who dedicated her life to creating opportunities for Alaska Native people. Mary Jane’s accomplishments are too numerous to list and include co-founding the Fairbanks Native […]

Winonna Gay Petro-Stroupe passed away peacefully at her home in Wasilla, AK on April 26, 2020 at the age of 80. She was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Guy and Gertrude Peoples. Gay was […]

First Alaskans Institute (FAI), a statewide Alaska Native nonprofit focused on advancing Alaska Natives for the next 10,000 years, Board of Trustees and Staff are shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our […]

Nils Sara was born in Bethel, Alaska, on Nov. 19, 1947, to Martha and Clement N. Sara. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1966. He joined the Navy and served in Vietnam, patrolling the […]

“The Bering Sea Elders Group is very saddened to learn about the passing of David Bill, Sr. late last week. David was from Toksook Bay and was one of BSEG’s founders, our first Chairman, as […]

Christopher D. Meier, a loving husband, devoted father and son, passed away peacefully at the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Tampa General Hospital on March 23, 2020. He spent his last night in hospice with his […]

Elias Venes was born in Akiak, Alaska on April 22, 1928 to Joseph and Annie (Wassillie) Venes. He married Ruth Lindstrom on May 20, 1949(?). Together they had 10 daughters and three sons. After Ruth’s […]

Evan Ward Qirnaq Charlie, son of Michael and Ida, was born on November 16, 1999 in Bethel, Alaska. Throughout his life he lived in Bethel, Anchorage, and Kongiganak. Evan graduated from high school in May […]

Antonia “Toni” was born on January 7, 1985 to Andrew John Evan and Olga Sarah Evan. She resided in Lower Kalskag and Anchorage, Alaska with her sisters Naomi Magdalene Evan, Charissa Paula, and Kimberly Ann. […]

Long time bush pilot, Joseph “Joe” Jefferson Vanderpool died Friday, August 23rd, 2019 peacefully, with his family by his side. He was born September 17th, 1928 to William and Sophie Vanderpool at the Vanderpool homestead […]

Gabriel Peter Guest was born in Bethel, Alaska on April 9th, 1943 to Archpriest Zachary and Matuska Sophia Guest. This was a much simpler time before we had snow machines, outboard motors, cellphones, running water, […]

Mrs. Sandra Jean Jennings Mironov, age 62, of Franklin, GA passed away August 13, 2019. A celebration of her life was held Saturday August 17, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Centralhatchee Parkway Baptist Church. Mrs. […]