Joerene Maria Hout Feb. 21, 1934 – Nov. 25, 2022Joerene Maria Hout

Lifelong Alaskan resident Joerene Maria Hout passed away on November 25, 2022, at the age of 88. Joerene was born on February 21, 1934, in Douglas, Alaska to Walter and Gladys (Green) Savikko. She was a graduate of Ketchikan High School, class of 1952, and obtained her nursing degree from the University of Washington in 1957. Joerene was employed by the State of Alaska as a Public Health Nurse from 1958, until retirement in 1976.

Joerene spent most of her nursing career living in Bethel, Alaska serving as an itinerant nurse serving the local community and surrounding villages. For many years she operated a small clinic in downtown Bethel. The health needs of native communities was her driving passion. Joerene continued to live in Bethel for many years after retiring as a nurse as it was where she felt most at home and loved the community.

She was a woman of many accomplishments. Amongst them are Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame class of 2011, 1982-84 Secretary and chairman of the National Conference of Governor’s Committee on Employment of Handicapped, and 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award for Health Services. Special interests include Alaska Victims for Justice, Zonta Club of Anchorage, and Beta Sigma Phi.

Joerene was always loving and compassionate, a natural caregiver. She may have retired from nursing in 1976, but being a nurse never left Joerene. She was always quick to volunteer to help family and friends in a time of need. Joerene was also an avid traveler and had travelled to many countries. This love of travelling can also be seen in her children and grandchildren.

Joerene was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Gladys Savikko, and brother Walter Savikko, Jr. Surviving her are her children: Janelle Marie Martinson of Port Angeles, WA., Jeffrey Allen Hout of Bethel, AK., and Jennifer Lee DuFord of Anchorage, AK; Grandchildren: Benjamin Robert DuFord of Seattle, WA., Morgan LeAnn DuFord of Anchorage, AK., Shay Oliver Martinson of San Francisco, CA., and Denali Brooke Tara DuFord of San Tan Valley, AZ.