Joseph Smith

Joseph Theodor Smith, 85, of Ninilchik, passed away January 9, 2016, at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer. Joseph was born December 8, 1930 to Floyd D. and Ellen Fleckenstein Smith in Kanakanak, Bristol Bay, Alaska.

His family said, “The family moved to Bristol Bay in the 1920’s, and then back to Wasilla in the early 40’s where Joe then graduated high school and the family still lives today. Joe fished the waters of Alaska for 27 years out of Seldovia and Bristol Bay. He later started and owned Wasilla Arctic Cat for 17 years until he retired to Petersville, with wife, Jane, and they owned Catballou Lodge. Joe eventually retired to Ninilchik where he still loved fishing and gardening. It seemed there was always an adventure with many close friends that became like family.”

Joe loved fishing, hunting, snow machining and even helped to break the first trail for the Iditarod from Anchorage to Nome. He had also served his country proudly in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a prisoner of war for 13 months.

Joe was preceded in death by his sisters; Marie and Lavina Ethel and brother; Dave.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; daughter; Melody and her husband Bill Fletcher of Wasilla; best friend, Mike Uher and wife, Sheryl; step son, John Parson and wife, Deborah of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Josie, Colton, Chloe and Jaylee of Wasilla and Brittany and Bryan Parson of Los Angeles, California; brother, Frank Smith of Wasilla and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be 2 p.m., January 23, 2016, at VFW Post 9365 (301 East Lake View Ave, Wasilla 376-5820) with Robert Welch officiating.

Memorials may be given in Joseph’s name to Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (1705 Abbott Rd. Anchorage, AK 99507 – 561-3313 – www.alzalaska.org )