HARRY LECKWOLD

Lifelong Alaskan Harry Leckwold, 79, died peacefully in his home Sept. 7, 2003. There will be a potluck gathering for family and friends at the Palmer Elks Lodge from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Mr. Leckwold was born Jan. 2, 1924, in Anchorage.

He attended Anchorage Grade School and Anchorage High School.

He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947.

In 1949, Mr. Leckwold married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Fitzsimmons. They built their first home in Airport Heights where they lived for 10 years. In 1960 they moved to Palmer. In 1962 the family moved to Mr. Leckwold's parents' homestead at the Four Corners area where he built their current home. He also built a summer cabin at Big Lake.

Mr. Leckwold had a long and full life working at the Federal Aviation Administration, Hohn Plumbing, Arctic Cold Storage, Civil Service at Fort Richardson, Matanuska Maid, 4 Corners Refrigeration and the Anchorage School District. He retired in 1989.

Mr. Leckwold joined the Antlers in 1940, then advanced to the Elks at the age of 21.

His community services included the Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America and he was a member of the Palmer Moose. He was also an active member of the Republican Party.

His family said, "He liked to hunt with good friends and did woodworking in his spare time. Harry believed in God, country and family."

Mr. Leckwold is survived by his wife Barbara; sons and daughters-in-law Brian and Louise Leckwold, and David and Marjorie Leckwold; his daughters and sons-in-law Sandra and Al Handley, Laurie and Phil Wilson; by his brother and sister-in-law Archie and Phyllis Leckwold of Palmer; 13 grandchildren and spouses Tracy and Cameron Ellsworth, Colin Handley, Amie, Shon, Keith and Chad Leckwold, Desiree and Eric Goode, Michelle and Josh Byrd, Jacie and Chris Kopy, D.J. and Tacey Leckwold, Brian Davis, Vonda and Robert Jette, Aaron Moberg; and by nine great-grandchildren Haley, Zoe, Jaden, Christopher, Isiah, Amanda, Candice, Brandon and Christine.

Memorial donation may be made to the Salvation Army, 209 W. Evergreen Ave., Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.