ALLAN E. GERSHMEL

Lifelong Alaskan Allan Earl Gershmel, 64, died in Wasilla June 4, 2005.

A memorial service was scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, June 9, at the Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Wasilla. Floral arrangements are welcome.

A gathering of family and friends followed the service at the Gershmel residence, located at Mile 1 Fairview Loop in Wasilla.

Mr. Gershmel was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Palmer, to Harold and Edith Gershmel, who were Matanuska Valley colonist replacements of 1936.

During the late '60s and early '70s, he worked for Cottle's Fuel & Trucking and for Matanuska Maid as a dairy truck driver. Later, he was employed with Quality Sand & Gravel and Anchorage Sand & Gravel.

Mr. Gershmel was a member of the Local 302 Operating Engineers from 1975 until he retired in 1995. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, auto repair and canning fish and chili. His hobbies included antique collecting and he was well-known for his artistry in holiday decorating.

His family wrote, "Allan was always helping people. If you called, he was there. He could repair almost anything on an auto and he would rather build something than buy it, if he could.

"He loved to travel with family and friends in his various campers and RVs over the years. He especially loved his trips to the mountains and down the coast. He loved to sit and listen to his wife play the piano for hours. For years, Allan enjoyed putting on a grand display for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.

"He enjoyed making people laugh and smile with his stories. Allan truly loved his family and was always there when they needed him. Dad was a true Alaskan and lived it every day. He will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends."

His sister, June Cottle, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Wythle of Wasilla; sons, Brian of Wasilla and Bruce of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughters, Charlene, Marietta and Patty, all of Wasilla; sister, Carole Wegner of Willow; brother, Bob Gershmel of Kirkland, Wash.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 801 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 103 or the American Heart Association, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.