David E. Woodin

Former Anchorage resident David E. Woodin, 60, died April 5, 2007, at his sister's home in Wasilla, of complications from emphysema. An informal gathering of family and friends and celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check Street in

Wasilla.

Mr. Woodin was born Sept. 26, 1946, in New York. He had been employed as a driver for Zellerbach Paper Company, and for the state of Alaska at API. He loved Alaska, camping and fishing.

His family said: &#8220David loved people, and loved joking around. Everyone who knew David loved him. He will be missed.”

Survivors are brothers, Charles Lane of Nevada, and Allan Woodin of Wisconsin; sister, Linda Rutherford of Wasilla; niece, Summer Rutherford of Wasilla; nephews, Leif Rutherford of Anchorage, Jason Woodin of Washington, and James Woodin of Wasilla; and many other nieces and nephews living in Anchorage, Eagle River, Talkeetna and Gambell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Mary Woodin, and a brother, Ralph Woodin.

Gwendolyn E. Roetman

Gwendolyn E. Roetman, born to Harold and Gwendolyn Erickson on August 21, 1929, in Detroit Mich., died peacefully on April 7, 2007, at her home in Wasilla, surrounded by her

family.

Gwen came to Alaska in 1953, for a short visit, and like many of us fell in love with &#8220The Greatland” and stayed. She married Emmett Roetman on Dec. 1, 1956.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Emmett, her sisters Virginia Erickson and Lois Boyes, her children Kristin Vernola and her husband David, Russell Roetman and his wife Rose Marie; grandchildren Loren, Justin, Candace, Jason, Rushell and Dale; great-grandchildren Michael, Marley Rose Marie and Sahkaia; her stepchildren, Shelly Walther and Gilbert Roetman, and step-grandchildren Robert and Emmett. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Alaska, Michigan and Washington.

Gwen was involved with the Ladies Oriental Shrine and helped with Alaska's children who were treated at the Shrine's Orthopedic Hospital in Portland, Ore. She was an avid horsewoman and past member of the Chugach Range Riders.

Gwen and her husband raised Angus cattle for the 4-H members in the Mat-Su Valley and could be found in the Shrine Burger Booth most any weekend that there were horse shows at the Alaska State Fair feeding the people. She possessed the magic ability of being able to fix anything from a broken heart to a John Deere tractor with a length of bailing twine.

She enjoyed traveling, collecting owls and angels, spending time with her family and many friends bringing humor to any situation. She was always eager to assist anyone in need.

There will be a memorial service for Gwendolyn at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 501 Bogard Rd. Wasilla, on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at 2 p.m.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Contributions to any one of the many Alzheimer's organizations would be greatly

appreciated.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.