Brian Raymond Mangerson

Brian Raymond Mangerson, 57, of Palmer passed away on July 14, 2014.

Brian was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Feb. 23, 1957. He was raised in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Rhinelander High School. While living there, he was an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper. He also worked in the woods as a logger. On his 16th birthday, he took his first solo flight: the youngest age the law would allow. He then had to wait one agonizing year to get his private pilot’s license at the age of 17. This was an accomplishment for a young boy who didn’t even have his driver license yet.

Brian enlisted in the Marines at 18 years old. Like everything else he did, he went at it with full vigor, setting records at Paris Island for the fastest marine to complete the obstacle course.

He married Teresa Spitzer, a lovely lady in the U.S. Air Force. After his discharge from the Marines, he and his family moved to various duty stations. During this time he worked as a photographer, mechanic and many other part-time jobs. His family had two sons, Brian Robert and David Benjamin. The family was transferred to Alaska where Brian immediately fell in love with the land and never moved again.

While living in Alaska, he became an entrepreneur repairing boat motors, snowmobiles, and other small engines. For a man who never cared about time, this gave him plenty of time to enjoy his hunting, flying and above all, fishing on Jim Creek.

During the last several years, he enjoyed the company of Laurel Gadola, his companion and forever friend. She brought him joy and peace. They enjoyed many happy times together.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Robert Mangerson; and his step-father, Werner Felix Bigalke.

Surviving are his sons, Brian Robert Mangerson and David Benjamin Mangerson; mother, Virginia (Ginger) Bigalke; siblings, Bobbette LaVoy, Alyce Jacob, Nanette Avitts, and Gary Mangerson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be loved and missed by all-forever.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

The family can be contacted through the Legacy Funeral Home at 745-3580.