Jeffrey “Cheech” Lynn Manthei

A graveside service for Palmer resident Jeffrey “Cheech” Lynn Manthei, 48, is at 12:30 p.m., April 10 at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. A celebration of life follows at the Palmer Moose Lodge.

Pallbearers are Leroy Jeffreys, Mike Jeffreys, Greg Campbell, Christopher Conatser, Joel Sigman and Chuck Waldron.

Jeff died in his sleep at home on April 4, 2011. He was born July 2, 1962, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He came to Alaska in 1988. He worked for VECO as a truck driver on the North Slope.

Jeff enjoyed four-wheeling, barbecues, snowmachining and family gatherings.

His wife wrote, “Jeffrey Manthei is the love of my life. I will miss his funny comments, his great big heart. I surely will miss my soul mate forever, Love, Kim.”

According to his family, “Jeff was one of a kind. He was a No. 1 husband, dad and papa. He was a kid at heart that had a heart of gold. Family and friends is what meant the most to him. Jeff loved spending time being a husband, and most of all being surrounded by his grandchildren. We will miss him more than words can say, but most of all we were lucky to be a part of his life and he will remain in our hearts forever. We have all had a lot of great times together through thick and thin.”

Preceding him in death were his sister, Stephanie Manthei, and his daughter, Desiree Inman.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kim Manthei of Alaska; dad, Tom Manthei of Texas; mom and step-dad, Margaret and Dan Cook of California; brother, Brad Manthei of Idaho; daughters, Jessica Manthei of California, Danielle Hupp, and Lesa Inman and Christina Inman, both of Alaska; grandsons, Caleb and Ethan Sherman of California; granddaughters, Dakota Inman, Ellie Jeffreys, Chelsea Chapman, Acasia Chapman and Desiree Chapman, all of Alaska; son-in-law, Leroy Jeffreys of Alaska; niece, Quira Manthei of Las Vegas; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.