Joan Lucinda Estes (Fiedler)

Joan Lucinda Estes (Fiedler), 77, died April 18, 2013 at home in Big Lake after a nine-month battle with cancer.

She was born Jan. 6, 1937 to Wilton and Rosella Fiedler in Winona, Minn. Shortly after, her family relocated to Alaska, where her father worked on Elmendorf as a civilian.

After finishing high school she married Richard (Dick) Estes, a heavy diesel mechanic. They moved to their first home on O’Malley up the hill from her sister and her family. They started their own family there two years later. They raised three children, and her loyalty to her family was unsurpassable.

As her children matured, Joan then found a desire to become a working woman. She ran a trucking company, drove pilot car, managed a sand and gravel lot, opened Joannie’s beach house in Big Lake, started an RV park with her husband and owned a liquor store, which she retired from.

Moving from Anchorage to the smaller community of Big Lake, she felt the need to support a growing community. She was on the original charter for the Lioness Club, which shortly after joined with the Lions Club, where she found a permanent home. She played a large roll with the Big Lake Lions; she was at one point the president, vice president, treasurer and a member of the board. She loved helping with all of the club’s projects, no matter the size. None were too big or small, and they all had a special place in her heart.

In addition to public service, she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them if they asked. Her life was full of love — love for her family, her friends, her neighbors and her community. She could make anyone smile with her electric personality.

She is survived by son, Richard W. Estes; son, Michael R. Estes and daughter in-law Janey Estes; daughter, Cynthia J. Estes; grandchildren, Jennifer R. Adams (Zachary), Joshua M. Estes (Amanda), James L. Estes, Jaime J. Estes, Jacob K. Estes and Jesse R. Estes; great-grandchildren, Christina R. Estes, Christopher A. Brueggeman, Kaylee A. Adams and Zachary M. Adams; sister, Jean McKinney (Herb); nephew, Herbert L. McKinney; great-nephew, Peter McKinney (Jessica and kids); great-niece, Nicole McKinney. All from Alaska,

She is also survived by many cousins and other family in Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilton and Rosella Fiedler; husband, Richard L. Estes; and nephew, David McKinney.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 27 at the Lions Club in Big Lake at 6 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Donations can be made at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, account No. 142449ES. For more information call, Jaime at (907) 355-1013. Arrangements are under direction of the Valley Funeral Home.