Joann Elaine Schwochert

Joann Elaine Schwochert, 68, died Sept. 9, 2008, surrounded by family at her home in Wasilla after a 12-year battle with cancer.

Friends are invited to attend the memorial service at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla. Her ashes will be scattered at Lake Louise at a later date.

Schwochert was born June 20, 1940 in Filly, Neb., and came to Alaska in 1974, settling in Wasilla. She worked in the real estate and loan brokering field, retiring from GMAC Mortgage. She was a member of the VFW, AMVETS and the Legion Auxiliary, and enjoyed auto racing for over 50 years, as well as flying, boating and snowmachining.

“Joann was an inspiration to all that knew her,” her family wrote.

She is survived by husband, John Schwochert, and son Mike, both of Wasilla; daughter Elaine Theberg and granddaughter Lesa Theberg of Clinton, Ark.; grandsons Alex and Andy Schwochert of Wasilla; and granddaughter Kathy Jordan of Hanford, Calif.

She was preceded in death by John, Mike, Elaine, Alex, Andy, Kathy and Lesa.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to John Schwochert, P.O. Box 870732, Wasilla, AK 99687.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla assisted the family.