Heritage Wasilla Funeral Home

03/01/2026

From pioneers and caregivers to mentors and leaders, Women's History Month celebrates the contributions of women across all walks of life. We recognize their strength, wisdom, and impact.

02/27/2026

Funeral ceremonies give us a way to gather, reflect, and share in the grief together. They help us begin the healing process and honor a life that mattered. Learn more about the importance of ceremony here: https://www1.legacyalaska.com/unique-funeral-options

02/25/2026

Your grief is valid, no matter what it looks like. 💬

02/23/2026

Keep a part of them close with fingerprint jewelry and keepsakes. From pendants to keychains, each piece is handcrafted and personal, carrying their touch wherever you go. Learn more about these meaningful tributes here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/caskets-urns-and-keepsakes/urns-and-keepsakes

02/20/2026

Your veteran sacrificed much for our country, and we are here to ensure they receive the benefits and honors they have earned. Let our funeral planning experts assist you in honoring your loved one. Visit our website to learn more about our veteran services: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/honoring-veterans

02/19/2026

Andy's work ethic was as strong as the iron he once worked with in Chicago. When he moved to Alaska, he became a master truss builder at Homesteader's Lumber. His tenure at Home Depot in receiving was marked by nine years of camaraderie and practical jokes. Eventually, he joined the team at Lowes, where he continued to work until his untimely passing. His colleagues knew him as the man who never met a mini bucket or storage bin he didn't like—especially if he could fill them with gifts for others.

Collecting was Andy's superpower, and he wielded it with the finesse of a true connoisseur. His home was a shrine to Classic Horror Movie Memorabilia, Football cards, Bionic Legos (a shared passion with his daughter Jenalee), Baseball cards, and over 400,000 Hotwheels. His Lego creations were as monumental as his humor, featuring everything from The Titanic to The Eiffel Tower.

Andy was the epitome of loving, generous, and funny. To quote the legendary Robin Williams, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Andy not only kept his spark but turned it into a bonfire that warmed the hearts of all who knew him.

A heart attack may have claimed his life, but Andy's spirit is immortalized in every laugh shared, every card traded, and every Lego brick snapped together. He was a man who knew that the true value of life was found not in possessions, but in the joy you bring to others. Andy Shaw, the man, the myth, the collector, will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to be part of his extraordinary journey.

View Andrew "Andy" Shaw's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/18/2026

Funeral directors do more than plan services. They guide families through decisions, paperwork, transportation, and support. Their steady care provides comfort when it’s needed most. Learn more about how our team can help here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

02/17/2026

Ileta G. Prater, 77, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was in her favorite place in the house, with a view of the squirrels who plagued her yard and the family of moose who would occasionally drop in to say hello.

Born on August 23, 1948, in Anchorage, Alaska, Ileta’s journey through life was marked by her indomitable spirit, insatiable curiosity, and enduring faith in Jesus Christ.

Ileta lived a life of service and dedication. Following high school, she followed in her father’s ocean-loving footsteps and joined the United States Navy, where she met her husband, Elmer “Sunny” Prater. Throughout her life, she put her exceptional organizational skills and strong work ethic to use as an entrepreneur, pursued her passion for language and culture through post-secondary Hebrew studies, and eventually retired from the Matanuska-Susitna Valley School District. Colleagues and friends remember her as a spirited, steadfast, and dependable presence.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Ileta centered her life around her relationship with Christ. Her involvement in her church community at Sunny Knik Chapel was central to who she was. Her home reflected both her faith and her wit, filled with Bible verses, punny magnets, and sayings—like the wooden spoon that asked, “What would Jesus stew?”

Among her many interests, Ileta was a talented copper artist whose creations reflected her love for the Alaskan landscape she called home. She had a deep appreciation for Native American art as well as fantasy lore, and decorated her home with dream catchers and fairies. Those close to her fondly called her a “sun baby,” as she cherished radiant Alaskan summers and made frequent trips south to escape the winter cold.

Ileta is survived by her beloved children, Holly McDaniel, Ileta “Leta” Prater Trescott, Michael Prater, and Eldon Mark Prater; along with a whole mess of grandchildren and a gaggle of great-grandchildren who truly lit up her world.

Though she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Prater Sr., her son, Elmer Prater Jr., and her daughter, Shannon Prater, Ileta remained a cornerstone of resilience and hope for all who knew her. Her legacy is one of wit, courage, and faith—qualities that profoundly shaped her family and will continue to inspire them.

Ileta G. Prater will be forever remembered as someone who embraced life’s adventures, analyzed the world with insatiable curiosity, and held fast to her faith through both the brightest and darkest times. A wild soul, a steadfast believer, and a help to many, her life was a beacon of strength and hope. Though she leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, her spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

View Ileta G Prater's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/16/2026

Presidents’ Day gives us a chance to reflect on leadership, service, and the impact one life can make. Today, we remember those who served their country and the enduring values they stood for.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is a time to celebrate love in all its forms, between family, friends, and everyone who brings meaning to our lives. A kind word or small gesture can make someone’s day brighter.

02/13/2026

Kevin J. Collins, 60, of Palmer, AK passed away on January 6, 2026, after a courageous three-year battle with laryngeal cancer.

Kevin was born in Syracuse, NY but made Alaska his home. He was pre-deceased by his parents, John J. Collins of Glens Falls, NY and Kathleen Buczek (née McCormick, formerly Collins) of Syracuse, NY. He is survived by his sister, Katherine Collins (partner, Linda), brother, Thomas Buczek (Danielle), his nephews, Jozef and Aleksander, and numerous extended family members.

Kevin’s love of nature and the outdoors inspired him to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Fisheries from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry he traveled throughout the West Coast pursuing his career. He listened for the sounds of the endangered Marbled Murrelet in the Pacific Northwest and performed surveys of the Bighorn Sheep in the San Bernardino Mountains of California. Working in fisheries was his occupational passion which ultimately led him to Alaska. He snorkeled in the waters of Yakutat, counting the population of salmon, was a Fishery Observer for the commercial salmon fleet in the Copper River Delta and worked in the salmon hatcheries of the Prince William Sound. In his free time, Kevin found happiness in fly fishing, spending his last years tying colorful flies of his own design.

In the summer of 2024, Kevin was able to meet his nephews, Joe and Alek, and spent time with them fishing and traveling around to see the beautiful sites of Palmer and the surrounding areas. They loved fly fishing with Uncle Kevin and challenging him to a game of pool at his favorite hangout, the Moosehead Saloon in Palmer.

Kevin loved all kinds of music, but had been an avid “Deadhead,” having attended over 100 Grateful Dead shows over the years. He also loved sitting down at an unattended piano and loudly playing a tune.

The family would like to thank Jay Sowinski for his kindness and generosity to Kevin over the years, and Rob Bashleben for enabling Kevin to obtain the resources he needed. These individuals went above and beyond, stuck by Kevin through thick and thin. Thank you also to the fantastic doctors and nurses at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center who took care of Kevin throughout his cancer treatments.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LINKS Resource Center, providing services to the Mat-Su region for over 32 years (linksprc.app.neoncrm.com).

https://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Kevin-John-Collins?obId=47172446

View Kevin John Collins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/12/2026

Clay Allan Williamson passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 17, 2026, in Wasilla, Alaska. He was born on January 10, 1958, in Moreno, Arizona. Clay was a beloved son of Rex Williamson and Arlene Denny (Hill), a devoted father to Brad Williamson, and a proud and adoring grandfather to Charlotte Williamson. He was also a cherished brother to David Williamson, Chryl Ussery, Shari Irvin, and April Denny, and a loving stepson to Doug Denny.

Clay spent his early years in Arizona and Virginia, experiences that shaped a life rooted in service and dedication. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a crew chief, carrying out his duties with honor, commitment, and integrity.

After retiring from the Air Force, Clay earned a degree in accounting from the University of Alaska and went on to a fulfilling second career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he retired as an accountant.

Outside of his professional life, Clay enjoyed model building, working on cars, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He also took comfort in the companionship of his pets, Sky and Wolfie, who were part of his daily life.

In his later years, Clay was supported and cared for by friends Wendee, Natasha, and Tony, whose kindness and dedication were deeply appreciated by both Clay and his family.

Clay will be remembered for his strong work ethic, steady nature, and quiet devotion to the people in his life. He leaves behind a legacy of service and perseverance and will be deeply missed by his family and all who loved him.

View Clay Allan Williamson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.