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Michael Demchenko
Longtime Seward resident Michael Demchenko died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at Heritage Place in Soldotna. He was 82.
A private family service will be held this summer.
Mr. Demchenko was born Feb. 5, 1921, in New York City. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Alaska in 1968 and lived in Seward. He worked for the University of Alaska Fairbanks on research vessels from 1974 to 1987, serving as first mate on the Acona and then skipper on the Alpha Helix. He received his U.S. Coast Guard master license in 1984 and retired in 1987, but remained on call for year to help train. In 1986, Dolly Deiter and her crew, which included Mr. Demchenko, received an award for exceptionally high standards.
Mr. Demchenko enjoyed red and silver salmon fishing, building bird houses and bird watching. He was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking.
"We will definitely miss Grandpa Mike's hot spaghetti, his sense of humor and his beautiful piercing blue eyes that would light up, especially as he was talking with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His friends and loved ones, including former co-workers, know how much he 'loved' the sea. Mike often said, 'Only a fool goes to sea with a shipmate who does not believe in God.' We know he is now telling his outrageous but true stories to the angels, " his family said.
Mr. Demchenko was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Cunningham and Mrs. Charles Malko, both of New Jersey; and a son, Alan Demchenko.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna Demchenko of Bellingham, Wash.; daughters, Karen Dorcas of Kenai, Nadine Wong of British Columbia, Debbie Carrubba of Seattle and Diane Peterson of Milwaukee; son, Gar Wong of Seward; nine grandchildren, three of whom are in Alaska; and four great-grandchildren, of which two are in Alaska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Michael Demchenko Memorial Scholarship, c/o Seward High School, P.O. Box 1049, Seward, AK 99664. The scholarship will be used to support seamen's internships.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Beatrice 'Bebe' Christine Fletcher
Soldotna resident Beatrice "Bebe" Christine Fletcher died Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. She was 66.
A memorial potluck will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Eagles Lodge in Kenai.
Mrs. Fletcher was born on April 6, 1937, in Sheridan, Wyo., to Gottlieb and Virginia Mueller. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1955. She married Harold "Ike" Fletcher on June 29, 1957, in Sheridan. She came to Alaska in June 1962 with three small children and they made their home in Anchorage. In 1966, the family moved to Soldotna, where they have resided ever since.
Mrs. Fletcher was an avid bowler for years and also was a member of the Eagles. Her love of gardening knew no bounds, and her yard was well-known for its flowers.
"Bebe was a compassionate, gentle person who loved her family, her friends and her flowers. Throughout her life, she touched many lives by her willingness to lend a shoulder or an ear. Her love of her family created years of wonderful holidays, countless traditions and memories we will never forget, " her family said.
"Her constant encouragement of her family enabled our successes, which we were able to recognize for ourselves by her pride. Her children could not have had a more wonderful mother, and there have never been grandchildren more spoiled then hers. While everyone she has touched will miss her deeply, we are all better people due to the inspiration and love she brought to our lives."
Mrs. Fletcher was preceded in death by her brother, Dean Mueller.
She is survived by her husband, Ike Fletcher of Soldotna; daughter and son-in-law, Danette and Mike Kebschull of Soldotna; son and daughter-in-law, Mick and Carol Fletcher of Bellingham, Wash.; daughter, Lisa Fletcher of Soldotna; brother, David Mueller of Phoenix; brother, Bobby Mueller of Salt Lake City; grandchildren, Michael Kebschull and Karli Kay of Soldotna, Lacye Kebschull of Portland, Ore., and Brandon McElrea, Jennifer Fletcher, Christie Fletcher and Jake Fletcher of Bellingham; and three great-grandchildren.
The family is creating a memorial garden and donations of perennial plants are welcome. Friends are invited to plant flowers in her memory.
Arrangements were made by Witzleben Family Funeral Home in Anchorage.
Jedediah Strong Luton
Soldotna youth Jedediah Strong Luton died Friday, May 30, 2003, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 13.
Viewing will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Soldotna Bible Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Soldotna Bible Chapel. Pastor Alan Humphries will officiate.
At his request, he will be cremated following the funeral service. David Corr, Robert Luton, Josh Corr, Nathan Corr, Kyle Andree, Jeremy Thompson, Michael Eskue and Aaron Andrus will serve as pallbearers.
Jedediah was born Oct. 31, 1989, in Soldotna. He attended Soldotna Elementary through the sixth grade. He had just finished the seventh grade at Soldotna Middle School.
He was recognized by the U.S. Marine Corps as an honorary Marine. Jedediah also was a member of the Soldotna Church of God and a Royal Ranger and had received a silver and gold medal in the Special Olympics.
"Jed 'young son' will be remembered as a very brave, polite and fun-loving young man. He enjoyed building, drawing and riding his dirt bike or Oddessy. He played hard and loved well. His battle with cancer began at the age of 2, but he rarely let it slow him down. He really enjoyed to joke around. He was an inspiration to many of us and had a smile as large as the world. He touched everyone in a very special way and will be greatly missed. But, the memories are ours to keep, " his family said.
Jedediah is survived by his parents, Michael and Ida Luton; brothers, David Corr and Robert Luton; sister, Natasha Luton; grandparents, Melton Volk, Connie Nickell and Cheryl Simonstead; aunts and uncles, Ruth and Mike Sweatt, Joann Luton, Kathy and Keary Holm, Iris and Kent Korzon and Tom and Nicci Lloyd; cousins, Christian and Ahran, James Bruggeman, Stephani, Hailey and Keith Holm and Erik, Mark and Keryl Korzon; and a great-uncle, Russell Hansen.
Memorial donations may be sent in Jedediah's name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 3201 C Street, Suite 610, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Delores E. Andersen
Longtime Kenai resident Delores E. Andersen died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at her home in Kenai. She was 66.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai.
Dachande Trinity Murdock
Dachande Trinity Murdock died Friday, May 23, 2003, at Central Peninsula General Hospital from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. She was 18 months old.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Pastor Chuck Thornton will officiate. Viewing will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow the funeral at Spruce Grove Memorial Park near Kasilof.
Robert H. Johnson, Robert Wirz, Jared Mahan and Dan Martin will serve as pallbearers.
She was born Nov. 2, 2001, in Soldotna, the daughter of Seth Murdock and Amber Felger. She loved her family, doggie, kitty, duckies, rabbits, "SpongeBob, " bubble baths and butterflies.
"She was very smart, loved everyone and brought great joy to everyone who met her. She loved her Grampa's Nascar toys. She was always full of energy and looked as if she were really an angel from heaven. Heaven must have needed one more angel and taken one so special. She made everyone so happy with her outgoing smile, hugs for all, her laughter, and her big wet kisses were the best! She will be deeply and sorely missed by all whose lives she touched, " her family said.
Dachande is survived by her parents, Seth Murdock and Amber Felger of Soldotna; brother, Gabe Murdock of Sterling; grandparents, Julie and Leon Gough II of Kenai and Scott and Jeanette Murdock of Sterling; great-grandparents, Janice Chandler of Kasilof, Ray and Jeri Chandler of California, Betty Taylor of Spokane, Wash., Clyde Murdock, and Herb and Julia Rosen of Sisters, Ore.; aunts and uncles, Laurel Murdock of Sterling, Robert and Tambi Chandler of Soldotna, Casey Felger of Eugene, Ore., Jody Chandler of Wisconsin, Jesse Babcock of New Mexico, and Jake and Dan Sonnenburg of Racine, Wis.; and godparents, Bobby and Mary Wirz of Kenai.
Memorial donations may be sent to Wells Fargo Bank in Soldotna.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Roger Bernard Haselow
Sterling resident Roger Bernard Haselow died Sunday, May 11, 2003, near his home in Sterling. He was 63.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Soldotna Senior Citizens Center.
Mr. Haselow was born Oct. 3, 1939, in Cleveland. He attended St. Matthews Lutheran School in Cleveland. He moved to Alaska in August 1973. He lived in Anchorage until August 1981, when he moved to Sterling. He worked as a taper and finisher for Christopher Drywall for the past 10 years. Prior to that, he worked for Barney's Drywall from the time he to Alaska, both in the Anchorage and Kenai-Soldotna areas.
Mr. Haselow was born and raised in the Lutheran faith and was deeply devoted to his Christian beliefs. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and passing on his wisdom, knowledge and experiences in life.
"Thirty years ago, my Dad followed his dream to move to Alaska. His knowledge and humor has enriched my life greatly. He was a wonderful father and a good friend whom we'll miss very much.
"He was able to live the simple life he loved at his small cabin in the woods by chopping wood, hauling water and enjoying the solitude like a true frontiersman. He was a friend to all he met and they grew to like and respect him. He was an incredibly honest man, gave his time willingly and was devoted to his family, whom he loved dearly. We will all miss our loved one, " his family said.
Mr. Haselow was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Hope G. Haselow of Sterling; sons, Mark T. Haselow and his wife, Cheri A., and Matthew T. Haselow, all of Soldotna; granddaughters, Danielle, Brittany and Amber; and grandsons, Timber, Zachari, Erik and Michael.
Memorial donations may be made to the Haselow family, P.O. Box 1025, Sterling, AK 99672.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Dachande Trinity Murdock
Kasilof resident Dachande Trinity Murdock died Friday, May 23, 2003, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. She was 18 months old.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
James (Jim) W. Schroeder
Longtime Kenai resident James (Jim) W. Schroeder died from heart disease Saturday, May 24, 2003, at his home in Kenai. He was 67.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the American Legion Post No. 20 in Kenai. Pastor Jon Walters of Kenai's United Methodist Church of the New Covenant will officiate. A reception will follow the services at the post. Interment will be in the Kenai City Cemetery.
Mr. Schroeder was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Appleton, Wis. He moved to Eielson in 1952 and graduated from Eielson High School in 1955. He lived in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Cold Bay before making Kenai his home in 1968. He worked for Unocal for 23 years and was nicknamed "The Hammer" by the men on his crew. He retired from Unocal as shift supervisor in 1992. He was a powerhouse operator at Eielson in 1960, at Wildwood in 1963, at Fort Richardson from 1964 to 1967 and in Cold Bay from 1967 to 1968. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 in Korea. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 20, AmVets No. 4, Life Charter member of the Elks Lodge No. 2425 and the Moose Lodge No. 1942. He loved taking care of his yard and would rather fish than eat.
"Jim was a great friend who loved to play cards with his buddies and to fish hours on end. Jim loved spending time with his granddaughter, Randi, fishing, camping and teaching her to make the best out of any situation that comes along. Not everyone liked him, but everyone respected him. Those who liked him loved him. A loving father, grandfather and wonderful companion, he is greatly loved and missed by many, " his family wrote.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Milton Schroeder; his son, Stacey Schroeder; and close friends, Rufus and Hannah.
He is survived by his companion, Lonnie Kay Brooks of Kenai; son, Steve Schroeder of Anchorage; mother, Ramona Groomes of Kenai; granddaughter, Randi Lynn, and her children, Taylor and Tyler, all of Anchorage; grandson, Nicholas, stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln; brother, William Nee of Ann Arbor, Mich.; former wife, Lila Mae Schroeder of Kenai; and special friends, John Trippe, John Coon, George Pitsilionis, Jack Adams and all of his card playing buddies.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Central Peninsula, 312 Tyee Street No. 3, Soldotna, AK 99669 or to the Kenai City Cemetery, 210 Fidalgo, Kenai, AK 99611.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Delores Elizabeth Ann Andersen
Longtime Kenai resident Delores Elizabeth Ann Andersen died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at her home in Kenai surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer. She was 66.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai. Pastor Robert DeVolld will officiate. Mrs. Andersen's ashes will be scattered across Cook Inlet at a special fishing place.
Mrs. Andersen was born Oct. 15, 1936, in Williston, N.D. She moved to Alaska in 1970, residing in Kenai. She enjoyed gardening, in which she won several beautification awards from the city of Kenai for her flowers. She also had a beautiful voice and enjoyed many years singing with the Sweet Adelines.
"Delores enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, collecting Beanie Babies and many other crafts. She always looked forward to spending time across the inlet with her husband, Ron, and taking all the family and friends that came to Alaska to visit, fishing. But doing things for her family and friends gave Delores her most enjoyment, " her family said.
Mrs. Andersen was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Olson; and father, Howard Wheeler.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ronald Andersen of Kenai; daughters, Lori Andersen, Sandy Andersen-Rimer and Nancy Kennedy and her husband, Chris, all of Kenai; brothers, Louis Olson and his wife, Sandy, of Selma, Calif., and Stanley Wooten of Wyoming; sisters, Donna Dubsky of South Dakota and Carol Fawcett, Shirly DeMerritt and Sharon Sturdevant, all of Wyoming; stepmother, Sylvia Wheeler of Wyoming; grandchildren, Bruce Hall, Lindsey Hall, Anthony Borromeo, Kayla Resnick, Carlee Sounart, Ronni Sounart, Khelby Kennedy and Gretta Kennedy, all of Kenai; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2165, Kenai, AK 99611, or flowers may be given.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
