Jane Seemann

Eloise Jane Seemann, 94, was born to John and Annie Aird in Detroit, Michigan. She died at her daughter’s home in Anchorage following five years of lung cancer and a recent fall.

Jane grew up in Detroit, married Bob Pettit and moved to Palmer, AK, in an army surplus ambulance in 1947. After 10 years of vegetable farming and chickens, Bob died leaving Jane with three children to raise alone in Alaska—no job and no relatives. She continued farming on her own with her children until she married John Seemann, a grain farmer a little farther up the road. They cleared their own land, built every building, raised Hereford cattle and Percheron horses, and grew oats, barley, and later hay.

In 1998, Jane finally got warm by moving to Gold Canyon, Arizona, until her final move back to Alaska in 2014.

Among Jane’s self-taught incredible achievements were building a log cabin at age 23, refinishing an antique 1935 Chevy truck, editing movie films, and writing a book of her 1947 journey to Alaska. But most remarkable was working with her husband to leave future generations the 400-acre farm called Little Pitchfork Ranch on Lazy Mountain.

Her family will remember her outstanding support in each of their endeavors. They grew up seeing her work on the Farm harder than six men ever could, until her mid-70s. “Grandma Jane was an original—a very strong woman who did amazing things.” Whether they met while taking a wrong turn in the road or opening a bank account, Jane had a unique personality that drew strangers into being life-long friends. Neighbors and friends in Palmer will remember her antiques she actually used and her beautiful yard with a pond.

Jane is survived by two of her children: Rick Pettit (wife Marilyn) and Collie Johansen (husband Mel). Grandchildren: Todd Pettit, Tommy Pettit of Palmer; Chuck Pettit (Megan) of San Diego, Dayna Pride (Walter), Cliff Johansen (Olivia), Zack Pettit (Calli), all of Anchorage; Joe Johansen of Oregon; Tobi Johansen (Sonja), and Clint Pettit of Wyoming. Jane also has 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Jane in death were her son Mick Pettit and former husbands Bob Pettit and John Seemann.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2301 Strawberry in Anchorage.

P.S. “She made good gravy.”