Heritage Wasilla Funeral Home

01/23/2026

Lillian Theodore Obituary
A Saint was Taken away this day. Lillian Theodore, passed away, on November 19th, 2025. Lillian was born September 28, 1933, Received into the world of Wasilla Stephan of Montana Creek who was of Nenana; Dorothy Nichoai is the given name of her mother. Lillian passed away in Anchorage surrounded by her youngest and family. She was Preceded in death by her late husband of 69 years Herbert William Theodore She was also proceeded by children, Violet, Vincent, Allen, Carol L and Jennifer D Theodore, grand children- R. Morgan and J.D. Hall. Lillians nieces, Shirley and Cheryl have always helped Lillian with support during the loss of family members and friends which she has endured through her 92 years on earth. Lillian always practiced forgiveness even in hardships. The bonds of family and friendships were important to her. Lillian was always emotionally, spiritually and Physically strong. For a time, the family Resided in Usibelli, Suntrana, which is in the middle of the wilderness where her husband worked. Lillian Worked in Anchorage as a waitress for a short time. She received formal education through her children as they went to school. She worked with satisfaction and delight in the culture of Denaina Athabascan way of life. She was an avid professional hunter and gatherer and gardener like her husband. She was an expert packer and could walk long distances. Lillian instinctively knew how to pack all gear necessary to accommodate ten children in their treks. She had many adventures with her children and family starting in the 1960’s. In 1995 her husband expressed that it was time for them to walk no than five miles with the children. She had superb timing and portion methods. The Lord was spoken of always and she did not fear. Finding clean water was a hardship she endured at one time in her life, and she mention as one of the roughest, winters she endured. One sweet memory the children have of Lillian, is her Storing love letters in the cache, for her husband. That cache it still stands to this day. This habit helped name the family operated campground “Corner Cache” ( Chettahs). Surviving Lillian are her many grandchildren and children. Lena Batt, Barbara Schubert, Bernadine Theodore, Herbert Théodore, Sharon Padua. Other Stephan members john Jr, Jerry and Helen Annie. Services will be held

Saturday, December 6th, at Montana Creek Baptist church, at 12;00 noon. Legacy Funeral Homes is Handling the arrangements.

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01/21/2026

Funerals today can be as unique as the lives they celebrate. Whether you imagine something traditional or something completely different, our guide can help you explore the possibilities. View our Unique Funerals Guide here: https://www1.legacyalaska.com/unique-funeral-options

01/19/2026

On November 24th, 2025, Sigmund Restad, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age of 97 in Palmer, Alaska, surrounded by his devoted family.

A funeral service will be held at eleven AM on January 24th, 2026 at the Sacred Heart Church, 1201 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, Alaska, reception following in the parish hall.

Sigmund was born in Gnesen, Minnesota in 1928 to Sigurd Restad and Henrietta Olsen. He had two brothers (Roland and Anton) and two sisters (Dorthea and Astrid). Sigmund was an avid supporter of 4-H, stating the 14 years he participated had a great influence on his life. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1945. He served in the Army reserves in 1949 and served in the Korean War with the 31st infantry APO 7 Kansas from 1950-1951. For his service he was awarded a Combat Infantryman Award and 3 Bronze Medals.

Sigmund married his beloved Carol Hubble in Duluth in 1952. He attended the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Husbandry in1953 and a Master of Science in Dairy Nutrition in 1954. Sigmund served as Agriculture Extension County Agent for Carlton County, MN from 1954-1958. Sig and Carol began their family of six children in 1954, moving to Fairbanks, Alaska Territory, in 1958; then Palmer in 1962.

Sigmund’s was an epic pioneer of Alaska, supporting the growth, research, conservation of agriculture and forestry in Alaska. He was Farm Manager of the Agricultural Experiment Farm at College, Alaska from 1958-1962.

Governor Bill Egan appointed Sigmund as the Director of the Division of Agriculture from 1962-1968.

He returned to work with the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as Executive Director, and then as Assistant Director from 1968 to1987. He was given Assistant Director Emeritus status in 1987. In 1982 he wrote the book Alaska’s Agriculture and Forestry and was featured in several periodicals on agriculture. In 2014 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mat-Su Farm Bureau.

Sigmund was very active in government and community organizations in the state of Alaska. He was a member of the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Alaska Rural Development Council, Alaska Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Advisory Committee for Northern Television, Northland Pioneer Grange, Alaska State Grange, Palmer Elks and Kiwanis, and the Sons of Norway.

Sigmund was jovial, supportive, generous, kind, and patient. He found joy in hunting, fishing, growing his own food, and spending time with his family at his cabin at Lake Louise. Sigmund delighted in the bounties of nature and in the joy of all the children that were added to his family in his 97 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol and his son Jason. He is survived by his children Mary, Eric, Lori, Joyce, and Mark; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

ln lieu of flowers, improve the Babb Arboretum by donating to the Northland Pioneer Grange, P.O. Box 2304, Palmer, Alaska.

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01/19/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a voice for justice, unity, and peace.
His vision continues to inspire us to care for one another with compassion and respect.

01/19/2026

Michelle L. Akers Obituary
Michelle L. Akers, 57, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home on November 18, 2025. She was born on March 8, 1968, in Palmer, Alaska, to Donald and Debbie (nee Sexton) Magee.

Michelle spent her childhood and early adult years in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where she lived from 1971 until 1990. Michelle graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1986. Those years were filled with growth, hard work, and close family connections. She worked various jobs throughout her young life, with her most meaningful role being at the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, where she served as a dispatcher alongside her father, who worked as a deputy. Michelle was proud to serve her community and she carried that dedication with her throughout her life.

In 1990, Michelle returned to her birthplace of Palmer, Alaska, where she lived for the next 35 years. She joined Municipal Light & Power, dedicating 30 years of service as a Customer Service supervisor, before taking early retirement to spend more time with her family — the part of her life she cherished most.

On March 27, 1992, Michelle married the love of her life, John Akers. Together they built a strong, loving home and raised three amazing children: Matthew, Kaitlyn, and Kelsey. Michelle also opened her heart to many others she considered her own, including Tami and Sean Grande and Josh and Amanda Robinson, all of whom she loved as deeply as family.

She adored her grandchildren: Izzy, Leah, Michael, and Charlotte Warren. Her adopted grandchildren — Lilly Robinson, Natalie Bauman, Dakota Bishop, Kristopher & Toby Grande — brought her tremendous joy and filled her life with laughter and purpose.

Michelle loved life’s simple pleasures: reading for hours on end, riding on her power scooter, attending community events, being surrounded by family at gatherings. Michelle was known for her need of pepper on everything, could make the famous Devils Eggs and would Love to help with the holiday baking by taste testing the goodies while packaging them. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Michelle is preceded in death by her Father, Donald Magee; her Grandmother, Maxine Hayden; her Grandparents Elmer and Lottie Sexton; her Father- and Mother-In-Law, Harold and Elsa Akers; her Aunts Barbara Sexton, Donna Sexton and Debra Magee and her Uncles Allen Sexton and Bill Mrak; and her Cousins Wayne Sexton, William Mrak, Hank Warner, and Christopher Steele.

She is survived by her loving Husband, John Akers; her Mother, Debbie Magee; her Brother Robert (Karlene) Magee, her Children- Matthew Akers, Julian Endes, Kaitlyn (Dustin) Warren, Kelsey Akers, Josh (Amanda) Robinson, and Sean (Tami) Grande; her Sister-In-Law Judy (Dennis) Mayfield; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Grandchildren, and Friends who loved her dearly.

Michelle leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family. She will be forever loved and forever remembered.

A celebration of Michelle’s life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pot luck after, at United Protestant Presbyterian Church (Church of 1,000 Logs) in Palmer, Alaska

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01/17/2026

Elsie Marie Tipton (Chase) Obituary
Elsie Marie Tipton (Chase)

May 24, 1932 – November 5, 2025

Elsie Marie Tipton (Chase), of Wasilla, Alaska, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 93.

Elsie was born on May 24, 1932, in Meadville, Nebraska. On July 25, 1948, she married her soulmate, Gilbert Tipton. Together they raised eight children. When not working hard to provide for their family, Elsie and Gilbert could often be found camping and fishing in their favorite spot on 2nd and 3rd Fork, outside of Sweet and Ola, Idaho.

Elsie was always up for a road trip or adventure, and one would never see her without her camera—ready to capture the beauty of every moment and everyone around her. It was during one of these memorable road trips that Elsie and Gilbert decided to relocate to Wasilla, Alaska, where they continued to explore and enjoy all the wonders the area had to offer.

Since Gilbert’s passing on May 22, 2020, Elsie treasured every opportunity to make precious memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her infectious smile and zest for life will be fondly remembered by everyone who got to experience life with her—whether it was a beach visit, fishing at Seymour Lake, riding the side-by-side, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, watching the Iditarod, attending her grandchildren’s school performances, or riding the Alaska Railroad to enjoy the scenery.

Elsie is survived by her children: Sharon Rollins, Verda (Melvin) Laird, Patty (Lonny) Darrah, Ron (Roxie) Tipton, Darla Buchta, Geneva (Ken) Nelson, and Rhonda (Matt) Miller; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her love and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gilbert Tipton; her daughter, Linda Wallace; her granddaughter, Seanna Ransom; her parents and her brothers: Ronald, Floyd, Bernard, and Willard.

A gathering to honor Elsie’s life will be held at Meadow Lakes Senior Complex on January 10, 2026, from 2:00-4:00. Elsie’s family invites everyone to come and share memories of Elsie. Light refreshment will be provided.

A private Celebration of Life will also be held in Idaho, summer 2026.

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01/16/2026

Many families choose to keep a portion or all of the cremated remains in a keepsake urn, providing a lasting memorial for future generations to cherish. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

01/14/2026

Jeanne Marie Mielke, 97, of Big Lake, Alaska, went to be with the Lord on

December 29, 2025, at home while surrounded by loving family.

Born in Sebeka, Minnesota on June 10, 1928 to Sylvia and Charles

Johnson, she was the youngest of four children following Merle, Paul,

and Verne. Jeanne graduated high school with honors in music, a passion

which followed her throughout her life.

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD,

all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1)

Jeanne moved to California to stay with her brother, where she met her

future husband, Wes Mielke, marrying on August 21, 1948. Both Wes and

Jeanne felt led by the Lord to come to Alaska and plant a church. In 1956,

with three children in tow and one more on the way, they began their

homesteading adventure on Fish Creek. For a time, church services were

held in their home until Wes finished building Big Lake Community Chapel.

Jeanne, a loving mother of four, stayed busy as a pastor’s wife and music

teacher in the community.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach

the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Jeanne’s love for God’s creation was evident as she worked in the garden

and enjoyed studying the birds, plants, and wild animals Fish Creek

brought to her front door.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim

the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

Jeanne was proceeded in death by her husband, Wes, and is survived by

her four children: Paula Whelan, Kristy Tervooren, Rebecca Baehr, and

Daniel Mielke, as well as her many, many “grands” and “great-grands”.

While she is greatly loved and missed, Jeanne’s family rejoices in knowing

that the Lord met her with open arms.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23).

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01/13/2026

Not sure where to begin with funeral planning? Our free planning guide walks you through each step so your wishes are clear and your family has peace of mind.
Download your free planning guide here: https://www1.legacyalaska.com/preplanning-guide

01/12/2026

Long time Wasilla resident Eva Louise Holobinko, 95, passed away peacefully at home January 6, 2026. Per her wishes, there will be no service and her remains will be laid to rest at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.

Mrs. Holobinko was born April 6, 1930, in Three Springs, Pa. She married the love of her life, Pete Holobinko, in 1948. Eva and Pete came to Alaska in April of 1971. She enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, gardening, and reading. She belonged to the Valley Garden Club for many years and was generous to a fault.

She is survived by her two sons, Ladd Holobinko of Wasilla, Alaska and Andy Holobinko of Castelfranc, France, Granddaughters Brittney Holobinko Lincoln of Denver, Colorado and Ana Cass of Denver, Colorado.

Mrs. Holobinko was preceded in death by her husband Pete, Daughters Yolanda Butscher and Stephanie Cass. The family asks that all donations be made to the charity of their choice.

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01/11/2026

Grief can feel heavier during the winter season. On this day of awareness, we acknowledge the challenges of Seasonal Affective Disorder and remind you: gentle self-care and connection can make a meaningful difference.

01/10/2026

Kenneth “Ken” Earl Clark, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and longtime Alaskan resident, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at his home in Wasilla, Alaska, surrounded by family.

Ken was born on March 19, 1935, in Wisconsin to Lila Clark Weber (King) and Earl Clark. He was one of six children, siblings Earlene, William, Richard, Kathleen, and Karleen. He graduated from Arkansaw High School in Wisconsin and began a lifelong career in the telecommunications industry. His work took him throughout Alaska and abroad, including Greenland and Budapest, Hungary. Ken and his wife, Marie, accepted a year-long contract in Budapest, where they lived and traveled throughout Europe—adventures they fondly shared for years afterward. He worked for RCA Alascom (later AT&T Alascom), Anchorage Telephone Utility (ATU), and GCI, retiring in 2005.

Ken remained active in retirement, volunteering with AARP, Mat-Su Regional Hospital, and the American Legion Honor Guard. He found joy in mowing his lawn on his riding mower, tending his garden, and visiting with friends. He especially cherished taking cruises with his late wife, Marie, and their grandchildren, Brooke and Michelle, forming many lasting “cruise” friendships along the way.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen “Marie” Clark; his parents, Lila and Earl Clark; his sister, Earlene Pichler (Clark); his estranged first wife; and their son, Jeffrey Clark.

He is survived by his children, Terri Williams, Mike Sofulis, Ross Halstead, Brian Johnson, and Anita Johnson; estranged children, Calla, Michael, and Debbie; grandchildren, Nicole Corona, Roxanna, and Roselinda Halstead, Michelle Johnson, Brooke, and Colton Buzby (Johnson); along with numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date. Cremation and funeral arrangements made by Legacy Funeral Homes.

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