Izidor Paul Barelka

Izidor Paul Barelka, 84, passed away on Sept. 25, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Celebration of life in memory of Paul is at 2 p.m., Oct. 4 at Mid-Valley Senior Center, 11975 W. Mid-Valley Way in Houston. Sergey Zagorodniy will officiate.

Paul was born May 15, 1929, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Paul and Mary Barelka.

He graduated from Lakewood High School and attended Kent State University in Ohio.

Paul served his country in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and conducted the jamming of the Berlin Wall.

He later moved to Alaska in 1965 and lived in areas such as Point Barrow, Fairbanks, Wasilla and settled in Houston. He worked on the Alaska Pipeline, but found his passion working as a hard-rock miner and prospector. He always enjoyed a good book, too.

Brother Paul, a family man and devout Christian, believed deeply in the Lord Jesus. He now rests with him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary (Nadvide); and son, Steven Barelka.

He is survived by his son, Eric; daughter, Catherine; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Joann Barelka; brother and sister-in-law, Alex and Marlene Barelka; and friend, Don Hale.

Memorial donations may be made to disabled veterans.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.