Edith Marie (Arntzen) Pinquoch And Wayne John Pinquoch

Edith Marie (Arntzen) Pinquoch, 91, of Wasilla passed away Tuesday June 12 at Providence Hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage the previous day. Edith was born August 17, 1926 to Ragnar and Ragnhild Arntzen in Burlington, Washington.

Wayne John Pinquoch, 94, passed away at home of natural causes on August 12. Wayne was born January 25, 1924 to Michael and Cornelia (Meirop) Pinquoch in Passaic, New Jersey.

In his younger days Wayne was a Golden Gloves boxer and tennis player. He was the youth city champion tennis player in Passaic, New Jersey and later won the "Thrilla of Wasilla" tennis tournament at Settlers Bay. In 1941 Wayne joined the Navy and met Edith while stationed at Whidbey Island. They were wed December 15, 1944 in Burlington, Washington at her parents’ home. After the Navy Wayne held several jobs before he began a career in corrections in Washington State. In 1962 he was recruited by Alaska's relatively new correctional system and within months became the Associate Superintendent at the "Adult Camp" outside of Palmer. He moved on to being the Superintendent of the Alcantra Youth Camp in Wasilla and the first probation officer in the Matanuska Valley. In his later years Wayne's passion turned to card games, anyone who knew Wayne and played cribbage was undoubtedly subjected to his skill and endless good luck. Although Wayne gave up fishing several years ago, his gardening adventures continued until age 92.

Edith worked many years as a secretary for the Mat-Su Borough School District. She later worked as a receptionist for the Wasilla Dental Center. Edith spent many hours making quilts for family members and those in need. Many reading this have a cherished quilt made by Edith.

Both Edith and Wayne enjoyed fishing and spending time with family while living on Wasilla Lake 40+ years. They are survived by their children Michael (Mic) Pinquoch of Blair, Nebraska (and wife Susan), John Pinquoch of Anacortes, Washington (and wife Marilyn), Cathy Mayo who recently moved to Auburn, Washington, (and husband Desi) and David Pinquoch of Wasilla, (and wife Phyllis). Edith's sisters Nymah Trued, Marian Olsen and Phyllis Gard (and husband Grant) reside in Washington. They are also survived by 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Both were preceded in death by their parents and Wayne's brother Michael.

They will be missed!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla on August 17 at 2 pm. Memorials should be designated to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Wasilla Senior Center or the Food Pantry of Wasilla.