Erling Peter Nelson

Wasilla resident Erling Peter Nelson, 69, died Jan. 17, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer due to heart failure.

A memorial service commemorating Erling's life begins at 3 p.m., Jan. 28, at First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E. Bogard Road. Guests are invited to stay for a reception immediately following the service. Erling's ashes will be scattered at Snowbird Mine at Hatcher Pass.

Erling was born March 22, 1942, in Palmer to Nils and Dorothy (Hill) Nelson.

Erling attended elementary, middle and high school in Wasilla. He later earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and also served his country in the U.S. Army. In 1976, he began his employment with the city of Wasilla as a city clerk and later served as finance director for 24 years, retiring in 2000.

Erling volunteered in his community, including work with the Wasilla Volunteer Fire Department, Little Dippers, Little League and Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. He also enjoyed volunteering his time and talents to the projects of friends and family. Erling was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla and a board member and treasurer for Wasilla-Knik Historical Society. He was a lifelong Alaskan with a love of state and local history, an avid fan of local and regional basketball and enjoyed restoration of historic vehicles. Erling was a caring father to six children and a busy grandfather to his 13 grandchildren, and traveled frequently to the Lower 48 to spend time with family and friends.

Erling was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Allayne and Gene Dinkel; children, Michelle Kirkham, Robert Nelson, Steven Nelson, Judy Nelson, Pamela Nelson and Naomi Nelson; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

"We miss him dearly," his family wrote.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Wasilla-Knik Historical Society, 300 N. Boundary St., Wasilla, AK, 99654.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.