JOHN MARK COLBERG

Longtime Alaskan resident John Mark Colberg, died peacefully at home of natural causes on April 11, 2005.

Mr. Colberg was born to medical missionary parents in Honan Province, China, on April 24, 1926. He returned to the United States in 1935 and spent his early years in California and Minnesota before first coming to Alaska in 1950.

Mr. Colberg worked as a carpenter for a number of years and then returned to college at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, where he earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees, preparing him to teach mathematics.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Agnes; their two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanette and Eric Olson of Wasilla and Ruth and Gerd Hoeren of Lake Oswego, Ore., as well as five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family wrote, "John loved to travel and his family has many memories of his traveling adventures. We miss him already, but know God has prepared a better place for him."

According to his wishes, no service is planned.