JOSEPH STEHLIK, JR.

Former Juneau resident Joe Stehlif, 93, died Sept. 1, 2005, at home in Palmer.

Mr. Stehlik was born Nov. 8, 1911, in Flatonia, Texas, to Czech immigrants, Joseph and Margeta, and moved to California at an early age. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1931.

He often recalled his childhood in the Mojave Desert, where he ran barefoot on the hot sand with his dog and burro. As a teenager, Joe was taught butchering and worked in that industry for many years in the Fresno area. He embarked on various business enterprises, including a malt shop, a meat business and a coffee shop throughout his life.

His favorite memories were of Palomar Mountain, where he was part of the 200-inch telescope observatory construction and later a technician to research astronomers photographing the universe with the telescope.

Joe was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Clovis in the 1950s and '60s and took part in many church activities. He was also a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Juneau for many years.

Mr. Stehlik came to his beloved Alaska with his wife, Kitty, in 1967 to assist in opening the Glacier Bay Lodge. He later owned the Glacier Coffee Shop at the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, where he was well-known for his pies and clam chowder.

After he retired from the coffee shop, he cooked for the Alaska Ferry System and for NOAA's research boat stationed at Auke Bay, from which he again retired.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Catherine Kitty Stehlik.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Wiletta Stehlik of Palmer; daughter, Sue McConnell of Caldwell, Idaho; daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Joe Corbett of Wasilla; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Joe enjoyed a life rich with family and friends who were very important to him. He touched many lives and will be missed.

Services will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Juneau on Friday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m., with burial at Valley Memorial Gardens and reception at the church following. Viewing will be at the church half-hour prior to the service. Mr. Stehlik may also be viewed Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Alaskan Memorial Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial donations be sent to relief funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.