Heritage Wasilla Funeral Home

04/22/2026

Today, we recognize Earth Day, reflecting on the importance of stewardship and responsibility for our natural surroundings. Every effort toward care and sustainability matters.

04/20/2026

Planning ahead gives your family clarity, comfort, and peace of mind when it matters most. Make thoughtful decisions today that reflect your wishes and ease future burdens. Get started with preplanning on our website: https://www.legacyalaska.com/advanced-planning/why-plan-ahead

04/17/2026

Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. However you’re feeling today, you’re not alone. 💚
Learn about our grief support here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/resources/grief-support

04/15/2026

Cremation offers flexibility and the ability to create a service that truly reflects a life well lived. Whether simple or personalized, we’re here to guide you. Learn more about cremation options on our website: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

04/13/2026

Families across Alaska have trusted us during life’s hardest moments for over 60 years. We provide support, guidance, and care so you can focus on healing. Learn more about our funeral services here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

04/10/2026

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

04/08/2026

Planning ahead brings peace of mind to you and the people who matter most. Thoughtful choices today can ease future burdens and ensure your wishes are honored. Learn more about preplanning options on our website today: https://www.legacyalaska.com/advanced-planning/why-plan-ahead

04/07/2026

William “Bill” Arthur Forster, 78, a longtime resident of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away peacefully at his home on March 30, 2026.

A service will be held on April 10th, 2026, at 1:00 PM, and officiated by Pastor Jimiah Goltz at Legacy Funeral and Cremation, 1015 S. Check Street, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Bill was born on June 7, 1947, to Doris and Arthur Forster in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, where he later graduated from Ladysmith High School. He met the love of his life, Dolores, in the eighth grade. Their young friendship grew into a lasting romance during their junior year of high school. The two were united in marriage on November 4, 1967, beginning a lifelong journey together filled with love and devotion.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years. In August of 1981, his service brought him and his family to Alaska. After living on Elmendorf AFB for two years, they settled in Wasilla, where they made their home and remained for the next 42 years.

Following his military service, Bill continued his commitment to serving others through his work with the State of Alaska Department of Corrections, where he was employed from 1987 until his retirement in 2007.

Bill devoted himself fully to his wife, children, and grandchildren. For 30 years he was a dedicated Little League baseball coach, making a lasting impact on the lives of many young athletes.

Bill had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing to provide for his family, as well as camping trips that created cherished memories. During his time in the military, he discovered a passion for photography, which he carried with him throughout his life.

Bill was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Doris and Arthur Forster. And by his sister, Nancy Forster. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores Forster; his children, Jeffrey, Jennifer (Perry), and Jason (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Lindsey (Gabe), Jeffrey Jr., Lacey, Karley, Jordyn, Lexi and Jaxon; and his great-grandchildren, Kaison and Kendall.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

View Bill Forster's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter to all who celebrate. May this season of renewal bring hope, joy, and time spent with those who matter most.

04/02/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month, a reminder to pause and care for your well-being. Life’s responsibilities can feel heavy at times, and taking small steps toward rest and balance can make a meaningful difference.

04/01/2026

For over 60 years, we’ve supported Alaska families with care, respect, and services that honor every life and culture. We’re here to ease the burden and guide you forward. Learn more about our services on our website: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

03/31/2026

Rodney's favorite hobbies

Rod loved fishing but not combat fishing as we call it in Alaska, during the summer salmon runs. Just relaxing fly fishing in the local streams and rivers and occasionally local lakes. He was an avid motorcycle fan and dreamed of the day he would have another Harley Davidson. He loved strumming his guitar, collecting several through the years but always dreaming of having a Martin. He also loved scuba diving and was active with the local dive rescue team before his illness. He had quite a collection of ham radios and was active with the local organization in the past. In his spare time, you would find him tying knots, making key chains and survival bracelets or collecting rocks.

Rodney's favorite foods

He loved all foods. I don't think there was anything he didn't like: chorizo, shrimp, clam chowder, rare steak (if it mooed, even better) crawdads and more.

Favorite bands and musical artists

Rod like music of all kinds, rock, classical, blues, soul and more

Interesting facts about Rodney

Although raised in the south, he loved living in Alaska.

Rodney loved nothing more than

He loved having a hot cup of coffee while eating some "fat boy pills" (donuts, nutty butter peanut bars, twinkies, etc. and watching TV if there wasn't something else to do.

Favorite place in the world

He loved Hatcher Pass in Palmer Alaska and our visits to Cabo San Lucas where he could go diving and fish for marlin and tuna.

Favorite TV shows

Science Fiction, Star Trek, Deep Space Nine, Star Wars, and any martial arts movies.

Favorite sports

Rod loved watching Soccer European Football

Rodney's proudest accomplishments

Rod was very proud of returning to school and getting his EMT1, EMT2 and EMT3. He wanted to continue his education and become a Paramedic. Unfortunately, his illness prevented him from doing so.

Rodney Reese, age 70 passed away March 6, 2026, at his home in Big Lake Alaska. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Vickie Blankenship Reese, his son, Jeramie (Bear) Walker, stepson Jeremy Eichenberger, a grandson Brandon Bailey McGill, step grandson Kaydin Broady Eichenberger and a son-in-law, Sean McGill.

He was proceeded in death by his father Howard Lamar Reese, mother Connie June Crumly, stepmother Carol Reese, his brother Donald Reese and his daughter Renee Walker McGill (Sean).

His death was not a surprise. His addiction destroyed his heart and kidneys, his relationships, excluding those in active addiction, his marriage and his family long before his actual passing and so, in lieu of flowers his wife requests any donations go to True North Recovery or Set Free Alaska addiction treatment facilities in Wasilla, Alaska in Rod's name in hopes that someone else can get the help they need before it is too late.

View Rodney Lamar Reese 's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.