Alexandria I. (Johnson) Platt

Alexandria I. (Johnson) Platt

Alexandria I. (Johnson) Platt, born Feb. 6, 1972, in Sitka, passed away Nov. 3, 2018, in Palmer. “Angel” was 46 years.
She belonged to the Kaagwaantaan Clan, Box House, Eagle-Wolf, and her Tlingit name was Kooteen. She was baptized Russian Orthodox, and was a former Gajaa Heen Dancer in Sitka.
Angel loved to take lots of photos of the family, friends and the outdoors, and also loved to go dipnetting with her husband Rex and son Brayden. She had taught herself how to crochet, and made many afghans for her family.
Angel had attended Sitka schools until moving to Anchorage. She and her husband lived in Anchorage and Palmer, and she had worked for Carrs in both cities over the past 13 years.
Angel is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Rex, and their son Brayden, of Palmer; and her sister Michelle C. Wright, brother-in-law Darren Wright and nephew Terrance, of Anchorage.
She’s also survived by her aunties, Cheryl Duncan and Josephine Johnson, both of Sitka; and uncles Joseph C. Johnson Jr., Everett A. Johnson, Henry K. Johnson Sr. and Jacob Johnson, all of Juneau, Norman W. Johnson of Seattle, and Michael P. Johnson of Bellingham, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Georgiana A. and Nick D. Chercasen; grandparents Joseph C. and Agnes F. Johnson; aunt and uncle Cindy and Tony Johnson; aunties Virginia E. Sam and Audrey E. Johnson;  uncles Art Gamble, Ronald Gamble and Leonard Gamble; and cousins Harry Johnson, Norma Johnson and Rachel Johnson.
Services were held Nov. 18 at Witzleban Legacy Funeral Home in Anchorage. Angel’s family in Sitka will have a 40-day luncheon here.

   

Liz McCluskey

Elizabeth “Liz” McCluskey, an Angoon resident, died Nov. 17, 2018, at the age of 85.
She was born Sept. 19, 1933, in Angoon, the daughter of Ike and Katy Hobson James. In her early years she worked in the cannery at Hood Bay and Hawk Inlet She worked for a short time at the seaside store and many years at Angoon Trading. She also was a city elections judge, and a caretaker.
She was a strong Prayer Warrior, her family said, and opened her home to anyone who knocked on her door for prayer or called her on the phone. She was a Sunday school teacher for both the Assembly of God and the Salvation Army Church, and was a board member at Angoon Assembly of God for many years. Before she got too weak she would attend prayer night and ladies night.
She loved attending and watching Celebration, liked doing word search and jigsaw puzzles, going on car rides and watching game shows such as the Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and many others.
She loved her family very much.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Katy James; her husband, Peter McCluskey Sr.; her brother Paul James Sr.; her sister Lillian John; and her granddaughter, Emily Lillian McCluskey.
She is survived by her children, daughter Maria McCluskey of Anchorage, sons Pete (Doreen) McCluskey of Juneau, and John McCluskey of Anchorage, and Frank (Debbie) McCluskey of Angoon; and grandchildren George Strom III, Evelonia Strom, Tyanna Horton, Kathleen Horton, Aaron McCluskey, Marvin McCluskey, Thea and Ed Jack, Frank McCluskey Jr., Jacob McCluskey, and Katherine Nelson.
Her great-grandchildren are Leilani Mayeda, Julian Mayeda, Shayliana Mayeda, Jonathan Bennett, T’Laisa Bennett, Serenity Strom, Cataleya Strom, Naavah Willis, Saige Jack, Cassiday Jack, Briana Johnson, Jessie Nelson, Aliana Nelson and Arabella Guthrie.
She also  is survived by her sister Isabel Chulik; nieces Lorraine (Chuck) Powell, Colleen Jackson, Veronica Chulik, Evangeline (Mike) Howard, Pam James, Lana James; and nephews Paul Chulik Jr., Alan James, Russell (Vivian) James, Herman James, David James, Elliott James, Paul James Jr., Joe Johnson Sr., Paul (Alice) Thomas, and John (Caroline) Martin.
Services were held Nov. 23 at the Alaska Native Brotherhood gymnasium in Angoon.

Jeffrey Alan Grun

Jeffrey Alan Grun, loving son, brother, and uncle, peacefully passed away on Nov. 26, 2018, in Meridian, Idaho. He was 38 years old and his body and spirit had finally succumbed to a lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes.
Jeffrey was born in Aberdeen, Washington, Sept. 28, 1980. As a young man, he was very involved with youth sports, including basketball, football and baseball. At age 12 he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which was to become his biggest opponent in life.
Jeff graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1999. He went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Washington State University in 2004. During his years at WSU he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. After graduation, Jeffrey was employed by numerous financial institutions in Washington and Idaho, eventually finishing his banking career in Boise, Idaho.
During his summers, Jeff assisted his family in his mother’s fishing business in Sitka. There he met the only love of his life, Norma Jean Johnson, a native Sitkan. Norma and Jeff shared great love of each other, and of life. They moved to Meridian in 2010, where they continued to prosper.
Norma unexpectedly passed away in 2015, and from that sad time Jeffrey faced continued struggles. He was involved in two seizure-related single-car accidents that left him broken.
He bravely continued on with these struggles through the end of his short life. However, in these tough times Jeffrey had many family and friends to ease these struggles. He had the best care and love in the world with his mother’s Meridian residence.
“Jeff was a gentle, kind soul and his presence in our lives will never be forgotten,” his family wrote.
Jeffrey is survived by his mother, LaVonne “Vonnie” Grun, and her husband, David McGonigal, of Sitka and Meridian; father, Gregory Grun, and his wife, Ann Grun, of Hoquiam; sister Christine Grun McGraw of Sitka; brother David Grun and his wife, Joelle, of Tumwater, Washington; brother Tim Grun of Upland, California; two nieces and one nephew, Cadance McGraw, Colton McGraw, and baby Chayse Grun; and most loving grandmother, Eileen Schmidt, of St. John, Washington, where Jeff spent many years visiting.
Jeff left on his mother’s side of the family his uncle Gene Schmidt and his wife, Wendy, of Farmington, New Mexico, and their children, Tony and his wife, Megan, and their baby Rosemary, and Kris (Jeffrey’s true best friend); uncle Mathew Simek of Gig Harbor, Washington, and his daughters Sarah and her husband, John Fitzpatrick, of Los Angeles, California, and Erica and her husband, Ben Sloniker, of Moscow, Idaho, and Jennifer and her husband, David Hunt, and baby Oliver of Seattle; aunt Joanne and her husband, Jerry Hartman, of Issaquah, Washington, and their children Andrew, Seth and Nyan; aunt Arlene Schmidt of Middleton, Idaho; and cousin Ariana Schmidt of Nampa, Idaho.
Survivors on his father’s side are uncles Brian and Vicki Grun of Hoquiam, and their daughter, Jessica Grun, and Bruce and Debbie Grun of Aberdeen, Washington, and their children Chelsea and Kenny; and stepsister Karinna Jones Ianello and her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Penelope.
Preceding Jeff in death were his maternal grandfather, Elmer Schmidt; aunts Sandra Schmidt and Theresa Schmidt Simek; uncle Bill Schmidt; and cousin Mark Simek.
Preceding in death on his father’s side were grandparents Kenneth and Barbara Grun; and great-grandparents Elmer and Olga Haaseth, who simply loved Jeffrey.
On the final weekend of Jeff’s life, he travelled to Pullman, Washington, in a motor home with his family to get to see his beloved W.S.U. Cougs play in one more “Apple Cup.” Jeffrey had a wonderful, unforgettable time with his grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces. He got to spend one more fun-filled weekend with his best buddy and cousin, Kris.
Jeffrey peacefully passed shortly after his return to Idaho. As Jeffery would always say, “Go Cougs!”
A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Hoquiam cemetery. A luncheon will follow. Remembrances may be left on Jeff’s webpage at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation.

Carol Kaach Ku.aakw (Sam) Breece

Cultural and funeral services will be held this weekend in Sitka for former resident Carol Kaach Ku.aakw (Sam) Breece, a member of the L’uknax.ádi/Raven Coho clan, who passed away Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Anchorage. She was 66.
Cultural services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, with funeral services at St. Michael’s Cathedral at 3 p.m. She will be laid to rest at the Sitka Cemetery on Monday, Dec. 10.
Carol was born in Sitka on Oct. 9, 1952, the daughter of Katherine (Johnson) of the L’uknax.ádi clan and Henry Sam Sr. of the Kaagwaantaan clan. Her maternal grandparents were Tom and Lillian Johnson, and paternal grandparents were John and Isabel Sam.
She was raised within the Tlingit culture and came from Kayaash Ka Hit (the Platform, or Mother Coho House), on Katlian Street. She graduated from Sitka High School in 1971, then traveled all over the country for several years, eventually returning home and marrying Robert (Bob) Breece in 1992. They welcomed their son, Benjamin (Ben), the same year.
Carol loved her culture and was very active in Sitka’s Noow Tlein Dance group. She taught beading and sewing to Sitka Native Education Program and Mt. Edgecumbe High School students, and was a very committed and busy Coho.  She sewed and beaded priceless regalia for family and friends, often for Sealaska’s biennial Celebration, pay-off parties, and holiday gift-giving.  She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for herself, her siblings, and Ben until he was seven years old. She even made Barbie clothes for her niece, nice enough to be handed down to the next generation.
She put up subsistence foods, which she greatly enjoyed sharing.
The family jokes that while her seamstress skills were unmatched, Carol’s cooking was entertaining. Large family dinners included her overflowing pies covering oven burners which created billowing smoke. Her rice was either mushy or burned, her gravy lumpy, and one time her chili didn’t cook at all, since she forgot to turn on the stove. Her reputation was so well known that even with dish-washing gloves busy in a sudsy sink, she had to quickly exclaim her innocence over a random smoke alarm that had nothing to do with her dish-washing, “It wasn’t me this time!”
She easily laughed with the family through the never-ending teasing, but the arrangement worked well that she should sew while others cooked.
Over the years, she worked for the Sitka Hotel; Shee Atiká Inc.; and Prewitt’s school bus service.
She was a Sealaska shareholder; Shee Atiká Inc. shareholder; and a Sitka Tribe of Alaska member. 
Pallbearers will be Edward Young, Henry Johnson, Paddy Hansen, Donny Garrity, Kyle Young, and Leonty Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Mercer Sr., Marla Kitka, Bob Breece, Andy Gamble, Lynn Alexander, James Button, Ronald James and John Howard.
Carol was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father Herman Maberry, and very close Aunt Elizabeth Garrity, among others in her large family.
She is survived by her son, Ben Breece, and siblings Henry Sam Jr., Lillian Saldivar (Henry), Gilbert Sam Sr., Richard Sam, Catherine Lindoff, Betty Jo Edenshaw, Lorraine Maberry Sommers, Troy Cantrell (Cathe), Tommy Maberry, Sharon Maberry Kelly and Stacy Maberry (Kathy).\
Also surviving are several cousins, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, loving aunties, uncles, and dear friends close enough to be family. Her clan leader is her special Uncle Herman Davis Sr.
While her son struggles with her death, funds are immediately needed to bring her home from Anchorage for services and burial. A donation jar is at the Sitka Moose Lodge Family Center, and Ben is accepting donations at his ALPS Federal Credit Union savings account for those unable to attend the cultural services where contributions also will be graciously accepted.
Ben and family expressed thanks for the words of encouragement and strength, and welcome friends and family to the services.

Michelle Lee Reaney

    Services are pending for Michelle Lee Reaney, a 2010 graduate of Sitka High School who died Nov. 30 in Anchorage, where she was getting medical care. She was 27
    She was born Aug. 28, 1991, in Anchorage, the daughter of Rhonda (Ozawa) and John Reaney. “Our pride and joy will be joining her sisters, Dawn Marie, Jamie Lee and all loved ones in heaven,”  Michelle’s parents said.
    “Our Buttercup was so very sick. We are so thankful to the many doctors, nurses, CNAs for all they did for Michelle,” they said. “She endured many procedures and treatments but never complained – always smiled that beautiful smile.”
    All who knew Michelle knew she would think of others before herself. She loved calling Sitka her home, especially since friends and family live here. “So much love in our little town,” her parents said.
    Michelle had many qualities. Music meant so much to her and she shone when playing her electric guitar or singing with her sister Jamie. “Voices of angels – we can hear her rocking out in Heaven, just as when performing with the band The Cloud,” the family said.
    Michelle was preceded in death by her Grandma Ivy Ozawa, Grandpa Paul Ozawa, Grandma Carolyn Reaney, Grandpa James Reaney; uncles Raymond Ozawa, Richard Ozawa and Joe Reeves; and auntie Roberta Reeves.
    She is survived by her parents, John and Rhonda Reaney of Sitka; and countless uncles, aunties, cousins and great-cousins, all of whom she loved.
    Her aunties are Renee Telefoni, Rhea Eisenhauer, Rita Stein, Melinda Reaney and Ellen Reaney. Her uncles are Ronnie Ozawa, Robert Ozawa, Roy Ozawa, Reggie Ozawa, Jim Reaney and Gary Reaney. Her cousins were all loved with her whole heart.
    “Our family wishes to thank the many people who comforted and supported our precious daughter,” her parents said. “Auntie Rhea, cousins Linda Ozawa and Paula Davis, Wade Cratty, great-cousin Amanda Ivy Roe, friends Lakrisha Johnson, Madison Younger, Melissa Manuel, Kayla Peterson, and to a special young man Kevin Taranof (Chevy). Michelle will always love and cherish memories shared with all.
    “Rest in peace, our Baby Girl. We love you so much,” her parents said.”You will be missed but never forgotten.
    The family requests that those who would like to send flowers or cards send them to the Reaney Family at 411 Andrews St., Apt. E, Sitka, AK 99835.
    The family greatly appreciates all the love and support the community has shown them during this difficult time.

Cora Beatrice Mosher

Services have been scheduled for Cora Beatrice Mosher, a longtime Alaskan who celebrated her 101st birthday at the Pioneers Home on Nov. 9.
A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Pioneers Home Chapel. A service will be scheduled later in Ketchikan, her former hometown.
Cora was born in Astoria, Oregon, on Nov. 9, 1917, one of eight children of Nels and Amalie (Smerratt) Ludwigsen, who had immigrated to the United States in 1914 from the Isle of Sylt in the North Sea, off the coast of Germany. They had married in Astoria on Sept. 6, 1914.
The family moved from Astoria to Seattle when Cora was a child, and she graduated from Queen Anne High School. In May 1938, the family moved to Ketchikan aboard the family’s 36-foot troller, Amalie L, built by Cora’s father, a boat builder.
Cora met her husband, Floyd Mosher, in Ketchikan and they were married there on May 2, 1940. Cora and Floyd enjoyed taking car or train trips back to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where Floyd had family.
Floyd was a machinist for Alaska Air Lines then worked at the Ketchikan Pulp Mill. Cora worked at Tongass Trading Company and at the Ketchikan Post Office.
Cora was a proficient knitter – most family members have at least one of her beautiful afghans. She enjoyed reading and listening to her favorite music, and she especially liked walking – in Ketchikan she and Floyd walked at least once, if not twice, a day around Ward Lake.
Cora and Floyd moved to Sitka around 2006 when Floyd entered the Sitka Pioneers Home. Cora lived across the street from the home above Harry Race Pharmacy and visited Floyd on a regular basis until he passed away, in 2009.
Cora joined the Sitka Pioneers Home family on Jan. 17, 2018, and celebrated her 101st birthday there. She took part in many of the activities in the home, and her family visited with her regularly.
Cora continued her love of walking here, and spent a lot of her time on daily strolls around downtown Sitka – she had a favorite spot at Totem Square where she fed the ravens every day.
Cora will be missed by her family, friends, the staff at the Sitka Pioneers Home, and her beloved ravens.
Cora was preceded in death by six of her seven siblings; husband Floyd; son-in-law Everett Webb; and grandson Michael (Jocelyn) Webb.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice Webb, and her son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Bitsy Mosher, all of Sitka.
Her grandchildren, Curtis (Lynn) Webb of Folsom, California, Jocelyn (Mike) Webb of Sitka, Trevor (Barbara) Webb of Sitka, Jolene Mosher of Ketchikan, Amelia Mosher of Sitka, and Nick (Teresa) Mosher of Milton, Washington; ten great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her brother, Herman Ludwigsen of Ketchikan, also survive.

Steven Garnick

Commercial fisherman, rock hound, husband and father Steven Garnick died Monday evening from complications of Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 69. He was at home in Sitka with his family around him.
Although born in Colorado in 1949, his family moved to Alaska in 1958 and he was Alaskan to his core.
Learning to trap, tan hides, track, garden, hunt and fish, Garnick eventually bought his first commercial fishing boat, finding his true passion.
Fresh out of Vietnam, and with a desire to live off the land, he fixed up and moved in to a historic cabin in Dyea Valley, where he delivered his first daughter. He then took his small family on a canoe trip down the Tanana River and later became the Echo Ranch caretaker in Berner’s Bay, where he delivered his son.
He moved to Port Alexander in 1976 where he eventually homesteaded and built a small cabin out of driftwood. There, he delivered his three younger children.
Friends call Garnick part of the soul of Port Alexander. His antidisestablishmentarianism fit right in with the community who was more like his family. One of his favorite pastimes was to sit on the dock getting the fishing report and talking with his friends.
Garnick was a quiet and gruff man, but a prankster and animated storyteller to those who knew him best.
Over the years, fishing the Huntress, Garnick became a highliner on many PA drags. Known as the hawg hunter, he was often found hugging the shoreline in his grey/blue boat, hoping people couldn’t see him.
“He just wanted to find a hole with some fish and work it however he wanted,” his wife, Robin, said. “When you are with the fleet, you have to share....He claimed he didn’t like to be around people, but for someone who was such a loner, he sure had a lot of friends.”
The Garnick family will be hosting an open house in Sitka on Christmas Eve; family members may be contacted for details. Public celebrations of life will follow this summer in Sitka and Port Alexander.
In addition to his wife Robin, Garnick is survived by his son, Whiterabbit “Josh”; daughters Ptarmica (Luke McConnel), Harmony, Sunnianne (Michael Dunn) and Coral; mother, Viona; brother Wayne (Shannon); grandchildren Gage, Breezy and Seidon; niece Heather (Tony Maggi) and nephews Jeremy (Hollin) and Justin (Tina).
He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd; brother, Keith (Jackie); and nephew, Ryan.

Arnold Walter Johnson Sr.

    Arnold Walter Johnson Sr., better known by family and friends as Arnie, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. He was 69.
    He was born March 7, 1949, to Mary B. John and George B. Johnson Sr. He spent  his childhood in Angoon, and graduated from high school in Chilocco, Oklahoma. During the summers before graduating he would fish on the Mary D. with Bobby Duncan.
    Although Arnie spent much of his younger years on the water, he never learned how to swim, but that didn’t keep him from doing what he loved – fishing. And the way he could bait his herring, it was like magic, family said.
    After graduating from high school, he spent some time in Juneau, and later made his way to Sitka, where he began working at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. There he met Elizabeth G. Gardner, and the two began their life together as husband and wife on Aug. 4, 1973, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Sitka. Together they had five children, and raised them in Sitka.
    His family was very important to him, and he enjoyed taking them out fishing, to visit family in Angoon, and on walks through Totem Park.
    Among his other passions were basketball and pool. If you didn’t see him out on the court playing ball, you could  see him in the stands at MEHS supporting high school athletes, or in Juneau for Gold Medal. He loved the sport, and the importance of being a good teammate.
    Arnie also was well-known in the Greater Sitka Pool League. He played many years with the league, and formed many lifelong friendship doing so.
    As a father of five children, he took great pride in being able to hunt and gather the traditional Native foods for his family; and he was never opposed to sharing with friends.
    He also enjoyed fishing the Sitka Salmon Derby, and knew where and how to fish any spot around Sitka.
    Arnie is survived by his children, Arnold Johnson Jr. (Taija and Chelsea Johnson), Katherine Johnson (Shawn Beauchamp), Lydia Spethmann (David Bean and Dylan Spethmann, father Matt Spethmann), and Victoria Johnson; and grandchildren Hayley, Hadley and Cody Kane and Taylor Helgeson.
    He also is survived by his brothers, Leonard and Stanley Johnson; and sisters Grace Sharclane, Genevieve Willard, Lorena Macasiat, Annie Braley, Velma Paul and Georgia Johnson.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; his mother and father, Mary B. John and George B. Johnson Sr.; his daughter Dahlia “Dolly” Johnson; his brother George B. Johnson Jr.; and sister, Gloria Plumber.
    “Arnie always did what he could with what he had,” his family said. “And he always told his children, ‘Tell the ones you love that you love them, no matter what. Because tomorrow is promised to no one.’”
    A small memorial will be held at a later date.

Jill Johnson

Jill Johnson, 75, passed from medical complications gone awry in the aging process on Dec. 27. She had been  medevacked Christmas Day to Seattle. She was happy in her last days, moments and breath, surrounded by her family, the loves of her life.
Although her passing was unexpected and quick, Jill felt comfort and remained happy knowing her family would be taken care of. She lived a life faithful to God and was confident that she would soon have eternal peace. With her peace, she was fortunate to have the ability to speak to her family members and close friends until her last day while sharing wise advice, stories, her strong faith and also shed a few tears.
Jill was born Oct. 24, 1943, in Glenn, Montana, to Vernon and Eva Stanford, and lived a hard-working ranching life with her siblings Judy, Leah and Bill. After a young life full of hard work and wonderful stories from growing up on a ranch, Jill ventured off to school with the belief she would become a teacher. She told the story of spending one day in the classroom and deciding the career was not meant for her. Soon after, Jill found her calling in nursing and became a licensed practical nurse.
She did various stints as a VISTA volunteer often on reservations. Her last placement was in 1969 to Sitka, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Ralph Johnson. He had been at Mt. Edgecumbe hospital for many years after treatment for tuberculosis and decided he wanted to “give back,” and was spending a few years working in Sitka.
Jill and Ralph met many wonderful people in Sitka who became lifelong friends who were present from the start of their relationship, the births of their children and into their elderly years.
Jill was a dedicated mother and once she had children they became the center of her life. She loved each one of them in a special way from small children to grown adults, Jill would give any piece of herself to help them in any way possible. This unconditional love she had for her husband and children was also passed on to her most beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 Jill led her life as a housewife and was a babysitter until her children became school-aged. She then worked at the Sitka Pioneers Home, Sitka Medical Center, home health and later part-time as a school nurse at Mt. Edgecumbe High School after retirement.
Her favorite work was with the elderly, and she remained special friends with many past patients. She took good care of elders and made known to her co-workers that the elderly were to be taken good care of. Jill also became a hospice volunteer as well as informally checking in on those in their last days.
Jill was an active member of Sitka Lutheran Church. She was magnanimous, always wanting to give back to others or those in need. She supported many causes, knowingly and unknowingly. She had a trusting soul and her family and friends loved her for it, even if she helped those who were after an easy target.
Jill was proceeded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ralph Johnson; their three children Amy (Phil) Jacobs of Fairbanks, Mary Johnson (John Carrion) of Fairbanks and John Johnson of Fairbanks; and her niece Salena Reid of Great Falls, Montana.
She also is survived by seven grandchildren, Darrin Johnson (Koren DeBell) of Sitka, Scott Jacobs, Ty Jacobs, Jill Jacobs, Quinn Jacobs, Michael Johnson, her little Gustavo Carrion of Fairbanks and great-grandchildren Jadyn, Carver, David and Tris of Sitka.
She will greatly miss her babies Bob the dog and Tuffy.
Jill is also survived by her in-laws Eula David, Bethel and family, Eli Johnson (Nikki), Anchorage and family and Laura Eben (Vincent), Anchorage, and many nieces and nephews too numerous to name. Other special survivors include Bob the human Busey (Jessie Cherry)of Anchorage.
 The family would like to thank all the Sitka friends who were always there for her, the staff at Sitka Community Hospital and Virginia Mason Hospital. A great, big thank you to the Sitka EMT responders who helped with the medevac on Christmas day; especially the team who accompanied Jill to Seattle and who were a great comfort TJ and Eric.
Services will be 11 a.m. Jan. 3, 2019, at Sitka Lutheran Church. A reception will follow.
“In memory of the love and respect for our very special wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother all that we ask in return is that you pass on the kindness and generosity to others,” her family wrote.

Karen Stalkfleet

Karen Stalkfleet, 61, passed away December 24, 2018, after a short battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family.
 Karen was born September 5, 1957, in Junction City, Oregon, to James and Bonnie Slaven. She moved to Alaska in 1974, and in 1987 married Michael Stalkfleet. She became a mother to Rose in 1987 and to Christi in 1992.
She worked at the Sitka Pioneers Home, caring for Alaska’s elders until her retirement in 2014 after many years of service.
She was known for her kind heart and generous spirit and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchild, and other family members. She loved to cook and serve her loved ones. Those who were close to her knew the amazing food she would make. She also enjoyed shopping at thrift stores and garage sales and would find some of the best items.
Karen is survived by her daughter Rose Stalkfleet and Cory Gould, and grandson Lucas Gould, of Sitka; siblings Gary (Christi) Slaven, Joan Sherry, Roger (Jean) Slaven, Mike Slaven, Randy (Hope) Bailey, and Doug Bailey.
She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents James and Bonnie Slaven, her husband Michael Stalkfleet, her daughter Christi Stalkfleet, and her brother Jack Slaven,
 Memorial services are still being determined. Correspondence and condolences may be mailed to 613 Monastery St., Sitka, Alaska 99835.

Lotus Kuehn

Lotus J. Kuehn, 88, formerly of Spring City, Tennessee, and Sitka, died Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Memorial Northpark Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Lotus was born in Chattanooga, the daughter of Lawrence D. and Martha J. Booth Sutton.
She was a graduate of Erlanger Nursing School, Class of 1951, and worked at Erlanger until 1954, when she moved to Alaska to work. It was here in Sitka that she met, and in 1956 married, Lyle Kuehn.
In October 1981, Lotus and Lyle moved from Alaska to the Spring City community. A month before leaving Sitka, they donated to the city a Tennessee pine tree, the only one of seven that Lyle had brought here from Tennessee that had survived. (A lifelong Sitka resident, Lyle retired from Alaska Lumber and Pulp Co. in September 1981.)
Lotus enjoyed working crossword puzzles and doing counted cross stitch.  She was of the Baptist faith.
Lotus was preceded in death by her great-grandchild Brandon Godsey.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Lyle M. Kuehn of Ooltewah, Tennessee; daughter Dotsy Woodall of Evensville, Tennessee; son Gary (Lynn) Kuehn of Ooltewah; sister Jo Ann (Lee) Miller of Spring City, Tennessee; grandchildren Jamie, Greg, Nick, Chris and Meridith; and great- grandchildren Alex, Lily, Haisley and one on the way.
Graveside services are Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Spring City Memorial Gardens.  There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Spring City Memorial Gardens, P. O. Box 553, Spring City, Tennessee  37381.
Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City, Tennessee, 423-365-5221, is in charge of arrangements.  “Please share your condolences and memories of Lotus on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com,” her family wrote.

Maxine Michaud

Maxine Michaud passed away on Friday, January 5, 2019, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
She was born and raised in Claydon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and in her late teens she moved to New Westminster, British Columbia. She traveled often, doing her best to experience many new places. She loved fun experiences, making time to dance, play card games, RV, and get to know others.
In the early 1960s she met Bruce Michaud after moving to Seattle. The two of them soon became inseparable, married, and started a family together. They moved to Sitka in 1981 and lived here until 1987 when they moved to Southern California where she loved the sun. Her first job in Sitka was at Fisherman’s Liquor, and she later worked at Random House.
Maxine is survived by her daughter Tane Skultka (son-in-law Charlie Skultka) of Sitka; son Todd Michaud (daughter-in-law Lisa Michaud) of Oak Harbor, Washington; grandkids Justin (Amanda) Skultka, Jennifer Michaud and Cory (Coleen) Michaud; great-grandkids Raiden, Rylan, Sophia and Zachary; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, brothers Everett and Kenny and sister Doris.
She was known by her family and friends as being incredibly caring and thoughtful, while always having the interests of those around her as a priority. She was incredibly active, making time to involve herself in the community by being a part of the Yucaipa Elks Lodge, the Red Hat Queen Bees, years of bowling and shuffleboard, and, most importantly, shopping around town.
Her creativity was always shown amazingly through her fashion and love to decorate. She will forever be known as a best friend to many and an amazing mother to her family.
A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. January 12, 2019, at the Yucaipa Elks Lodge,  located on 2nd Street in Yucaipa, California.

Kate Sulser

Family matriarch, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Katherine “Kate” Esther Sulser passed from natural causes, peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, while lovingly surrounded by immediate family.
Kate was born May 1, 1926, the daughter of Scott Isaac and Martha (Shell) Hammock. She was one of nine siblings who grew up on a farm in London, Kentucky. Her father worked for Champion Paper Company while Kate’s mother stayed at home with the children and tended the farm. Kate worked at Decca Records when she was 16 and later worked at Johnson’s Restaurant where she met Harry Sulser. At age 20 Kate married Harry in Covington, Kentucky, on Dec. 9, 1944. After Harry completed his service with the Navy, they relocated to Sitka, where Harry’s parents Harry Sr. and Vi Sulser resided.
Harry and Kate came to Alaska as part of this country’s Greatest Generation, seeking employment, outdoor adventure, and the opportunity to establish a homestead for their young family. Arriving in Alaska in the days before U.S. statehood, Kate raised a family of seven children. Despite the austere conditions of Sitka in the 1950s and ’60s, Kate was a strong woman who always had a pioneering spirit and positive outlook on life.
Kate was the glue that kept the family together while Harry worked full-time at Standard Oil and moonlighted as a bartender at several local taverns, including the Columbia Bar and Pioneer Bar. Despite the rigors of Harry’s unorthodox work schedule, Kate and Harry were able to save enough money to become co-owners of the Pioneer Bar when it became available due to an ownership vacancy. As co-proprietor of the Pioneer Bar, she supported Harry as they elevated the Pioneer Bar from a second-tier establishment to one of the town’s primary taverns.
Further, Kate and Harry enjoyed entertaining. For many years they hosted the annual Duck Plucker’s Ball at their home. Harry and about a dozen of his hunting buddies would go duck hunting in Mud Bay every year. They decided to build a cabin for that purpose so they would host the ball annually  to raise funds for the construction of the cabin. Kate would spend countless hours in the kitchen preparing for the party. They also hosted many family weddings at their home.
Kate had a love of gardening. You would often find her outside weeding and sprucing. In the spring her yard would burst into many vibrant colors. Her indoor foliage would be much desired as well.
Another activity she enjoyed was orchestrating her Christmas light show for many years. She would hang thousands of lights throughout her yard and house. It was a spectacular sight. She also had a love for collecting. She collected clocks, stuffed animals, Beanie Babies, phones, and all kinds of trinkets. If there was an open space, she would fill it.
Kate lived life to the fullest, her perpetual smile, laughter, and sunny disposition always made others feel like part of her extended family. Generous to a fault, Kate regularly helped financially prop up folks down on their luck due to illness, bad fortune, or unforeseen family emergencies.
In addition to her support for fellow Sitkans, Kate provided refuge and shelter to many abandoned four-legged and feathered friends. She harbored many ferrets, birds, and cats. She regularly used local veterinarian services to heal and nurture abandoned domestic pets and injured feral animals.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Harry Sulser; daughters Karen Howard and Sue Frank; grandchildren Shane Frank, Shawn Tisher, Jacoby and Mitchell Sulser.
Survivors include children Vickie (and Alan) Slade of Ketchikan, Linda (and Rick) Heim, Scott Sulser, Sandy (and Dan) Baird, and David (and Aftyn) Sulser, all of Sitka. Grandchildren include Ray (and Emily) Howard, Rhonda (and Mike) Whitmore, Dave Frank, Shannon Tisher, Chris (and Kasi) Heim, Janelle Heim, Ryan Allen, Brehanna (and Charlie) Johnson, David (and Shayla) Sulser Jr., Derek (and Saphire) Rennie, Mashaya Sulser, Dylan Sulser, Chloe Sulser, and Gatsby Sulser.
Kate is survived by 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She also is survived by her only remaining sibling, Helen Asher of Hamilton, Ohio.
A life celebration will be scheduled on her birthday, May 1, at 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. The family would like to give a special note of thanks to the overwhelming number of people expressing condolences in the days immediately following Kate’s passing. Those kind thoughts and prayers provided great solace and eased the grief associated with Kate’s death.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her name be made to the Sitka Elks Lodge, Salvation Army, Sitka Animal Shelter, Pet’s Choice Veterinary Hospital, and Center for Community.

Arthur H. Eells III

Arthur H. Eells III, Sitka, passed away suddenly from complications with undiagnosed diabetes and pneumonia on Jan. 4, 2019.
Art was a strong, devoted and amazing man who cared deeply for his wife Maria, daughter Ivy, and family. He had just celebrated his 36th birthday, on Dec. 9, 2018, with his family and friends by his side.
Arthur grew up in Port Alexander where he was a loving and protective brother to his younger siblings. He was a strong, natural-born leader, and the kids from Port Alexander looked to him in times of need and boredom.  Art had a way of making Port Alexander fun even when stuck inside during long winters, waterline frozen, and storms. 
Arthur began fishing his first boat at age 17 and he never turned back.  He was an outstanding fisherman who often out-fished people with larger boats and better gear.
He was a great man whose influence, love, and memory will never be forgotten.
Arthur H. Eells III is survived by his wife Maria Eells and his young daughter Ivy Eells; his parents Arthur and Jenny Eells; his siblings and best friends Tyler Eells, Brandon Eells, Cleveland Eells; and many other extended family members and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, followed by a private burial service at Sitka National Cemetery.  A gathering and potluck will be held at the Yaw Chapel on the Sheldon Jackson College campus from noon to 9 p.m.; those attending are invited to bring a dish and a story.
 

Don Burnett
  

    Donald L. Burnett, 87, a former Sitka resident, died unexpectedly Oct. 22, 2018, in Longview, Washington.
    He was born May 12, 1931, to Worley and Imogene Burnett, in Porterville, California. He was raised in Peshastin, Washington.
    In February 1951, Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served in both Japan and Korea on a secret mission.
    He married Donna L. Pendleton of Leavenworth, Washington, in June 1951, eloping to East Wenatchee. They had 67 years together.
    Don was a mechanic and body shop person until he retired, in 1995.
    After leaving the Air Force, he lived in Renton, Washington, and Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, California, before coming to Sitka in 1968. He was a paid firefighter here for seven years, then owned Don’s Body Shop.
    He left Sitka in May 1980, returning in 1982 to run Baranof Body Shop until the Alaska Pulp Corp. mill shut down, which caused the body shop to close.
    They left Sitka for the last time in 1988, and he worked in Seattle for a few years before retirement. After that he lived in Chewelah, Rochester and Longview, Washington.
    Don is survived by his wife, Donna, of Longview; daughters Shannon (Darby) Reid and Colleen Lawyer of Belfair, Washington; grandsons Rick Burnett and his wife Tyree of Kelso, Washington, Rob Burnett of Vancouver, Washington, and Jobe Lawyer of Standwood, Washington; and granddaughters Marcia Wilcox of Tacoma, Washington, and Kayla Reid of Belfair, Washington.
    Six great-grandchildren also survive.
    Don was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene and Worley Burnett, sons Nick Burnett and Patrick Burnett, and grandson Kirby Reid.
    Don’s ashes will be spread along the Columbia River at Longview, where he loved to fish.

John Matthew Everson

John Matthew Everson, longtime Sitka resident, passed away peacefully in Seattle on Dec. 31, 2018, surrounded by his family.
He was born in San Francisco, California, on July 6, 1950, to Joseph and Virginia Everson, the fourth of ten children.
He attended St. Gabriel’s Elementary School in San Francisco and Salesian High School in Watsonville, California., and graduated from UC Berkeley with a psychology degree.
He spent many years in northern California where he met his future wife, Marnie Chapman, and began his medical career by working as an EMT/ambulance driver in Fall River Mills. He and Marnie lived in Round Mountain, Eureka and Trinidad. Health care, especially emergency medicine, was his calling. He returned to school, attending College of the Redwoods, Foothill College and Stanford University to become a physician assistant (PA). His work as a PA brought him and Marnie to Alaska in the 1980s, first to Bethel then to Skagway, where he ran the health care clinic and was elected to city council.
He moved to Sitka in the 1990s to work with the SEARHC Community Health Aide Program Training Center. He was a UA faculty member and later was director of the Training Center, taking great satisfaction in helping people from throughout Alaska become community health aides/practitioners.
John retired at age 62.
John was devoted to his family; they were the joy of his life. Laura was born in 2000 and Sally and Theo in 2006. John enjoyed camping, fishing, daily walks with the dog, reading, travel and other adventures with his family. His greatest pleasure was simply being with his kids, supporting them and helping them go about their daily routines.
John and Marnie shared their love for over 30 years, and his memory will live on with Marnie and his three children, Laura, Sally and Theo; brothers Martin Everson, Daniel Everson, Thomas Everson, Timothy Everson and Reverend Joseph Everson III, M.M.; sisters Jane Everson, Joan Everson, Mary Garner, and Theresa Everson; brother-in-law Dennis Garner; sisters-in-law Lucille Everson, Sharon Everson and Li Ping Everson; mother-in-law Toni Diaz; brother-in-law Marlon Sloan; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
In remembrance, John’s family encourages people to support blood drives and consider becoming part of Be The Match: The National Marrow Donor Program. His family is forever grateful to the many friends who stood by them and supported them throughout John’s long, brave battle against myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Memorial services will be Sunday, Jan. 20. All are welcome to join any part of the service.
“We will start with a walk through Sitka National Historical Park,” the family said. “Meet at the Visitor Center at 1 p.m. Dress for the weather. Dogs and kids are encouraged.”
Services are at 2:30 p.m. in Sweetland Hall at the Sitka Fine Arts Campus followed by a community potluck reception in the same location at 3:30 p.m. Those wanting more information may call Clarice Johnson, 738-2601.
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Former Sitkan Kenneth Allen Norris, of Gentry, Arkansas, died January 23, 2019, at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was 91.
He was born August 5, 1927, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Walter Allen and Matilda Norris.
During World War II, Kenneth served the country in the U.S. Army, and during the Korean conflict he was in the U.S. Air Force.
He married Lucille Walker 58 years ago, and in 1963 they came to Sitka, where he worked for Alaska Pulp Co. They moved to Arkansas in 1985.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, son Larry and daughter Deborah.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille of the home; son Gary Norris and wife Rachel of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, January 28, at the First Baptist Church in Gentry. Burial will follow at Bell Cemetery, Watts, Oklahoma.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m., Sunday, January 27, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.

Daniel S. Natkong

On Feb. 3, 2019, in Hydaburg,  Daniel Steven Natkong took his final journey.
The former Sitka resident was 65.
Danny was born Nov. 7, 1953, at Mt. Edgecumbe, the son of Margaret Verney and Don Natkong Sr. He grew up in Sitka, attending local schools.
He left Sitka in 1977, and started log truck driving, including in Kake and Hydaburg, in the early 1980’s. He owned his own trucking company for many years until his deteriorating eyesight caused him to give up his greatest passion.
He had an incredible talent for carving and painting. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, and a shareholder in Sealaska, Shee Atika Inc. and Hyda Corp.
Danny, as he was known to most, was a humble man with a loving, giving nature, always willing to help in any way he could.
He is survived by his children,  Danielle Parrish and husband Theron and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Logan, Brielle and Zephan of Sitka;  Heidi Ashley Davis, husband Nathan, grandchildren Jonah and Hannah  of Arkansas; and Frank Natkong of Arkansas.
His mother, Margaret Verney of Sitka; father, Donald Natkong Sr. of Hydaburg; brother Eugene Natkong of Hydaburg; nephews Dean Steven Hayes of Austin Texas, and Victor Chips Natkong of Aurora, Colorado; brother Donald Natkong Jr. and Patty,  and niece Taylor Natkong of Hydaburg;  aunt Helen Mercado of Sitka; uncle Julius (Joe) and aunt Frances (Wani) Natkong; uncle Frank (Hammy) Natkong Jr. of Hydaburg; aunt Audrey and uncle Pat McCormack of Everett,Washington, also survive.
Danny was a kind, generous, compassionate man who gave all he had, his family said, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Russell Martin Braun

Russell Martin Braun, a resident of Sitka from 1959 to 2009, died in his sleep in Lacey, Washington, on January 26. He was 86.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, at Lacey Presbyterian, 3045 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lacey Presbyterian or Panorama Benevolent Fund.
Russ was born in Fowler, California, January 15, 1933, one of four children of Oscar Martin and Florence Bell Braun. He graduated from Fresno State College in 1955.
Russ was proud of his service in the U.S. Army, serving two years stationed in Germany in the late 1950s. When he returned home, Russ taught at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California.
He came to Sitka in 1959 to teach at Sheldon Jackson High School, a Presbyterian mission school.
In June 1963, Russ married Martha Lou (Marty) Osborne, and they raised their two sons, Bill and David, in Sitka.
When Sheldon Jackson High closed in 1967, Russ was offered work at Mt. Edgecumbe High School teaching art, wood shop, metal shop and mechanical drawing.
His true passion was helping students from all over Alaska create Native arts after school. When Mt. Edgecumbe High closed, Russ took early retirement. He then spent his time utilizing his carpentry skills, building three duplexes.
He also continued to enjoy wood carving and painting. Later, he joined Pioneers of Alaska and was honored to serve as the Grand President in 2008.
Russ was always active in a Presbyterian Church, giving his life to Jesus. At Sitka’s First Presbyterian Church he served as an elder and a deacon as well as a choir member, and also lead the Mariners outreach organization.
In 2009, Russ and Marty moved to Panorama Retirement Community in Lacey, after their home burned down in Sitka. He enjoyed the wood shop, gardening, and The Panorama Chorus. His bass was much needed and appreciated, as well as his ability to read music and to always hit the right notes. He belonged to the Lacey Presbyterian Church where he was also in the choir.
Russ is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Lou, of Lacey; two sons, Bill (Sally) and David, both of Olympia, Washington; three sisters, Joyce Smith of Fresno, California, Grace Griffin (Richard) of Bellingham, Washington, and Marge Eckloff (Steve) of Kent, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Russ will be remembered for his smile, helpfulness, Alaskan pride, talent in the arts and love of the Lord.
The link to the funeral home is https://woodlawn-funeralhome.com/obituaries/russell-martin-braun/900/.

Daniel Gordon Lostotter

    Daniel Gordon Lostotter, who lived in Sitka in the 1990s, died Nov. 30, 2018, in Richmond, Kentucky, of a possible heart attack. He was 54.
    He was born Jan.17, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Gerald and Ruth Bollerman Lostutter. (He later changed the spelling of his name to “Lostotter.”)
    He attended Cocoa High School, in Cocoa, Florida, and Sheldon Jackson College, in Sitka.
    When he lived in Sitka, Dan worked for Sitka Northern Sales. He enjoyed acting, and was in the Baranof Little Theater Guild.
    He loved his sons, and they have good memories of his taking them kayaking, hiking and camping around the Sitka area when they were young.
    A craftsman, Dan did home projects, and was in the process of restoring a 1900 Victorian home in Ohio.
    Dan was a U.S. Army veteran, and a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army National Guard, serving two tours in Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
    He retired from the Army National Guard in 2016.
    At the time of his death he was a security specialist employed at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Richmond, Kentucky. He had moved from Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, a few months before to accept the position at the depot.
    Dan is survived by his wife, Julie Jeffers Lostotter of Richmond; his mother, Ruth Lostutter, of Florida; sons Tony Lostotter of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Jesse Lostotter of Anchorage; a sister, Laurie Bakmaz, of Cocoa, Florida; and brothers Gerald (Jere) Lostutter of Florida and Mark Bennett, currently in New Zealand.
    He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Lostutter, and brother, Jeff Bennet.
    Dan was cremated, and a memorial service will be held in Ohio, with Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service (www.reppertfuneralhome.com) making arrangements.