Heritage Wasilla Funeral Home

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

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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.

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02/12/2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many feel the ache of missing someone they love. Whether it’s your first year without them or one of many, your feelings are valid. This season can be tender, take care of your heart. ❤️‍🩹

02/11/2026

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.

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02/10/2026

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.

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02/09/2026

Chieko Elizabeth (Uezato) Deliman passed away on December 31, 2025, at age 94.

She was born on June 25, 1931, in Nakijin, Okinawa, but due to a clerical error that mixed up her and her mother's birthdays, her legal birthday was June 10, 1931. She enjoyed receiving double the presents.

Chieko grew up in Okinawa and graduated from Nago High school in 1948. She then became a teacher at Nakijin Elementary School for 2 years, where she taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades. In May 1950, she began working as a telephone operator at Kadena Air Base Telephone Exchange, where she worked for 5 1/2 years until transferring to Ryuku RCA in Naha, Okinawa as an overseas telephone operator.

In June 1957, she met her husband and the love of her life, Robert Joseph Deliman, Sr, who was stationed at Kadena Air Base. On January 11, 1959, they were married, and on December 4, 1960, he was transferred back to the U.S. In 1963, Chieko became a U.S. citizen and as a military wife traveled to many places with her husband, who made the Air Force his career for 20 years. After many moves, they came to Alaska on January 3, 1969. They fell in love with the state and made it their permanent home. On January 11, 2025, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Chieko was preceded in death by her parents, Jensho and Toshi Uezato, brothers Noboru, Hiroshi, Teruo Uezato, sister Hiroko Yohena, all of Okinawa and son Robert John Deliman, Jr. of Anchorage, AK. She is survived by her husband, Robert Sr. of Wasilla, AK, daughter Mary (John) Cuzzocreo of Wasilla, AK, son Carl (Debbie Jo) Deliman of Middletown, DE, son Stephen Deliman of Anchorage, AK, daughter Deborah (John) Hanson of Wasilla, AK and daughter Carol (John) Ayers, also of Wasilla, AK.

She is survived by 10 grandchildren, Jennifer Cuzzocreo of Orange, CT, John Cuzzocreo of Anchorage, AK, Kathleen (Eli) Cuzzocreo-Colon of Seattle, WA, Lauren Deliman of Delaware, Christopher (Stephanie) Deliman of Elkton, MD, Alexander Deliman, Juliana Deliman, Victoria Deliman, Katrina Deliman and Lillianne Deliman, all of Delaware.

She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Landon Tanner of Delaware, Christopher Jr (CJ) and Jackson Robert Deliman of Elkton, MD, Dominic and Sophia Colon of Seattle and Hunter Cuzzocreo of Wasilla, AK.

Also surviving is her sister Keiko Uezato and many nieces and nephews all of Okinawa.

A small funeral service with family and close friends will be at Legacy Funeral Home Wasilla Heritage Chapel on Check Street in Wasilla, AK on Sunday, January 18th, at 2:00 pm.

Burial will be in the spring at Angelus Memorial Park on Klatt Road in Anchorage, AK.

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02/09/2026

Cremation doesn’t mean skipping a meaningful goodbye. You can still plan a full service or viewing to reflect and remember. We’re here to help you create a tribute that feels right. Learn more about cremation options here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

02/06/2026

Sims Edward Duggins was born to Sims Dennis Duggins and Sharon Maureen Johnson Duggins on March 9, 1961, in El Paso, TX, at Providence Memorial Hospital. They moved to Taylorsville, UT, in 1966, where he spent the rest of his childhood.

Sims was an avid learner and had a lifelong fascination with science, weather, and outer space. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math and Science Club, and the Chess Club. He loved participating in Boy Scouts and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years old. He also found joy in music. As a gifted violinist, Sims proudly served as Concertmaster in his high school orchestra. He also sang with the Concert Choir in high school and later performed with a Fort Collins group called the Choice City Singers.

Sims met his best friend, Tracy Trottier, in 9th grade, and their friendship lasted a lifetime. The bond between these two friends was so strong that their children grew up considering themselves cousins. Tracy and his wife, Tammy, were lovingly known as Uncle Tracy and Aunt Tammy.

Sims graduated with honors from Kearns High School in Kearns, UT, in 1979. He was a Science Sterling Scholar Finalist and was named Most Outstanding Senior Boy. He attended Brigham Young University for two semesters from 1979 to 1980. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1980 to 1982. Upon his return, he completed his college education at the University of Utah from 1983 to 1986, earning a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and a minor in mathematics.

Sims married Judlein Williams, whom he had known since 8th grade, on January 7, 1983, in Salt Lake City, UT. They moved to Fort Collins, CO, in 1986, where they raised their four children—Crystal, Chantal, Holly, and Benjamin.

The most important things to Sims were his family and his faith. He cherished being “Papa” to 10 biological grandchildren and “Grandpa Sims” to nine step-grandchildren, all of whom adored him in return.

He adopted the phrase “Courage, for the Lord is on our side” as the Duggins family motto and reminded his kids to draw strength from it, especially during hard times. This quote by M. Russell Ballard reflected his outlook on life: “What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity.”

Sims spent his entire career in the oil and gas industry, specializing in regulatory and air quality compliance. He took frequent business trips to Anchorage, AK, before relocating there in 2021 to work as a Senior Principal Consultant for SLR International Corporation.

Sims and Judlein divorced amicably in 2020 after 37 years of marriage. Sims found love again and married Jennie Bartell on November 19, 2022, in Taylorsville, UT. He loved her “with every fiber of his being,” a phrase he said often, and left her notes around the house with sentiments of his adoration; notes like, “Jennie—you are everything I prayed for!” and “Every moment we share makes my world brighter!!”

Sims passed away on January 20, 2026, in Anchorage, AK, at Providence Medical Center, as a result of injuries sustained in a fall. He was 64 years old. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and organ donation team who helped ease his passing and provided comfort during a difficult time.

Sims was preceded in death by his father, Sims D. Duggins (2013), and his brother, Joel Duggins (2009). Sims is survived by his mother, Sharon Duggins; his wife, Jennie Duggins, and her children Jen and Amanda (Russell); his children Crystal Browning (Brendon), Chantal Koenig (Ryan), Holly Meehleis (Garrett), and Benjamin Duggins (Sarah), and their mother, Judlein Duggins; his sister, Sharon Fowler (Phillip); his sister-in-law, Jill Duggins; 10 grandchildren: Brielle, Aislynn, Zander, Eviana, Maya, Brianna, Dallin, Lydia, Clarice, and Gianna; and nine step-grandchildren: Shawn, Patience, Noah, Hope, Promise, Russell, Collin, Emmy, and Lucas.

Services will be held in both Anchorage and Fort Collins.

The Anchorage service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11701 Puma Street, Anchorage, AK 99515. There will be a viewing at 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. All those who knew and loved Sims are welcome to attend.

The Fort Collins service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 E Swallow Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. There will be a viewing from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend.

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02/06/2026

Talking about funeral plans with your parents isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations you can have. Visit our website for insights on the benefits of planning ahead: https://www.legacyalaska.com/advanced-planning/why-plan-ahead

02/05/2026

eanne 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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02/04/2026

Jude Paul LeGaux, 18, passed away January 8, 2026, surrounded by close friends. A celebration of life was held on January 17, 2026.

Jude was born on December 29, 2007, to Derrick LeGaux and Sheral Burkett. He is survived by his mom Sheral Burkett, older brother Tristan Burkett, older sister Shalena LeGaux, sister-in-law Tiffany Burkett, grandpa David Burkett, grandma Elaine Haynes, and numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his dad Derrick LeGaux, his grandma Winnifred Burkett, and his grandpa Charles LeGaux.

Born and raised in the Mat-Su Valley, Jude was a cherished son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who brought so much laughter and joy into our lives. He was an amazing uncle to his nephews and nieces. Jude lit up every room with his smile and was always quick to crack a joke. He enjoyed playing games, especially car games, often showing off his custom collection to us. This love for cars was expressed through his extensive lego collection that he loved to work on. He was also very enthusiastic about his music and collection of shoes. Jude was always a hard worker and loved everything outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish with family and friends any chance he got. Much like his own dad and mom, he was also very passionate about food and knew how to throw down in the kitchen. He particularly enjoyed cooking and eating Cajun dishes, like gumbo and crawfish, and Athabascan food containing moose and salmon. We are extremely proud that one of Jude’s greatest and most memorable achievements was graduating early from Burchell High School in May 2025 together with his sister Shalena.

Forever in our hearts, Jude was dearly loved and will be missed.

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