Clarence “Les” Greenstreet

Clarence “Lester” Greenstreet, 74, died surrounded by family at his home in Stockton, Mo., on Dec. 26, 2010.

Surviving is his wife, Carol Greenstreet, who has been faithfully by his side for more than 52 years.

Les was born in El Dorado Springs, Mo., on April 15, 1936, to Clarence and Catherine Greenstreet, the oldest of four siblings.

After graduating from El Dorado Springs High School in 1954, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he traveled to Alaska and fell in love with both the state and Carol Frary. The two were married in the summer of 1958 and began homesteading in the Matanuska Valley. Les and Carol spent 43 years in Alaska, interspersed with 10 years at various times in Cedar County, Mo., the only other place he considered home.

In 1962, Les began a close relationship with Jesus Christ. He lived his life as an example and never waivered in his faith. Les was the patriarch of his family and could always be counted on for sound advice. During his final days on earth, he made it known that he was at peace and ready to go home to be with his savior.

Les loved to restore antique tractors and was a member of both the Antique Power Club of Alaska and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry.

Les and Carol have six sons and two daughters: Russ and Deana Greenstreet of Loveland, Colo.; Scott and Christine Greenstreet of Aurora, Ill.; Dean and Kathy Greenstreet of McHenry, Ill.; Darrel Greenstreet of Palmer; Billy and Carol Greenstreet of Homer; Catherine and Shem Mabongor of Jinja, Uganda, East Africa; Donna and Duke Ballard of Wasilla; and Andy and Trish Greenstreet of Palmer. He enjoyed each of his 34 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his brothers David and Mowee Greenstreet of Little Rock, Ark.; and Bob and Pat Greenstreet of El Dorado Springs, Mo.; and sister, Dorothy and Tom Fletcher of Enid, Okla.

A memorial service is at 11 a.m., Jan. 22 at Kings Chapel in Wasilla, at the corner of Spruce and Lucille streets. Longtime friend and pastor, the Rev. Jack O’Mary, will officiate. Les was laid to rest at Hazel Dell Cemetery in Cedar County, Mo., overlooking the family farm where he was born.

Pallbearers were his sons, Russ Greenstreet, Scott Greenstreet, Dean Greenstreet, Darrel Greenstreet, Billy Greenstreet and Andy Greenstreet.