Herbert W. Weichert

Longtime Wasilla resident Herbert W. Weichert, 68, died Oct. 14, 2011, from a heart attack at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Celebrations of Herb’s life with family and friends were Oct. 20 at his home in Wasilla with Father Luz Flores officiating, and at the home of Barb Lyons and Bob Peca in Valdez on Oct. 22 with Father Frank Reitter officiating.

Herbert was born May 25, 1943, to Herbert Weichert Sr. and Ethel (Rector) in Lansing, Minn. He attended Austin High School in Austin, Minn. Herbert had worked at Hill Heating and Roofing in Austin, Minn. In July 1973, he made a lifelong dream come true when he came to visit Alaska. After arriving in Alaska, he decided to make Alaska his home.

On Nov. 17, 1973, he married Cynthia L. McAnally in the Catholic Church in Valdez. He had lived in Valdez for 30 years from 1973 to 2003 and worked for the state of Alaska/Harborview Memorial Hospital in Valdez from 1973-74 and for the city of Valdez/Public Works from 1974-93. He retired as a public works foreman from the city of Valdez in August 1993. Herbert was a Catholic and enjoyed woodcrafts, fishing, archery and trapshooting.

“Herb was a devoted brother, husband, father and grandfather to seven amazing grandchildren,” his family said. “Although he was father to only two, he was considered an adopted dad by many close friends.”

He never knew a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He had an amazing talent working with wood and many of his woodcrafts are displayed in Valdez, Wasilla and throughout the state. He had a wonderful work ethic and would never ask the city crew to do anything that he wouldn’t do first. At the time of his death, he and his wife were raising their 5-year-old granddaughter who enjoyed her grandfather’s stories and warm hugs. He was gentle, but consistent, in his demeanor with her. He will be remembered for his great smile, his wonderful humor and his dedication to family and friends. He will be in our hearts forever.”

Preceding him in death were his paternal and maternal grandparents; mother, Ethel (Rector) Weichert; nephew, Mark Leonard; father, Herbert Weichert Sr.; mother in-law, Edna C. (Hansen) McAnally; father in-law, John F. McAnally; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Combs and Donald Leonard; and sister-in-law, Lois Weichert.

Surviving are his wife, Cynthia L. Weichert of Wasilla; son, Herbert J. Weichert and his wife Pua of Valdez; daughter, Tammy L. Weichert of Anchorage; grandchildren, Herbert R. Weichert of Harvest, Ala., Dylan Weichert of Harvest, Ala., Elijah Weichert of Valdez, Logan Weichert of Valdez, Hannah Weichert of Valdez, Caitlynn Weichert-Winkfield of Odessa, Texas, Breshanae Brown-Weichert of Wasilla; sisters, Dorothy Combs of Des Moines, Iowa, Ramona Leonard of Rochester, Minn., Donna Weichert of Owatonna, Minn.; brothers, Paul Weichert of Gastonia, N.C., Dennis Weichert of Owatonna, Minn.; special friends, Barb Lyons and Bob Peca of Valdez, John and Tammy Martin of Wasilla; and his golden retrievers, Kiska and Lily.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 585 Ponderosa Loop, Wasilla, AK 99654.