GERALD M. AGAR

Big Lake resident Gerald M. "Jerry" Agar died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at Valley Hospital in Palmer, after a brief illness. His parents, Roy G. and Grace E., and his brother, George W., preceded Mr. Agar in death.

A gathering of family and friends took place Saturday, June 16, at Mahoney's Restaurant Banquet Room in Big Lake.

Mr. Agar was born March 7, 1930, in Euclid, Ohio. He attended James Ford Rhodes Senior High School in Cleveland and although unable to complete his studies, received his GED in 1981.

Mr. Agar moved his family to Big Lake in 1971, where he resided until his death.

Mr. Agar devoted his career to equipment renovation until his semi-retirement in 1985. He spent the rest of his life pursuing his passion for woodworking, opening a small hobby shop to exhibit his hand-carved figurines depicting the Alaskan Gold Rush days and the local wildlife.

Possessing an uncanny technical knowledge, he was widely known in the Big Lake community for the ability to repair virtually any mechanical device.

Mr. Agar was an avid hunter and fisherman and a lifetime member of the NRA.

A devoted family man, Mr. Agar spent much of his leisure time reading and enjoying the latest video releases.

He was an accomplished baker and chef, his many friends were astounded to find out how well he knew his way around a kitchen.

Mr. Agar is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Jo; sons, David M. Kane and his wife, Christina, of Wasilla and Daniel G. Kane and his wife, Colette, of Minneapolis; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla assisted with final arrangements.