Kenneth Arthur Neslund

Kenneth Arthur Neslund, beloved husband, loving father and grandfather, died Oct. 10, 2011, surrounded by his family. He lived at Primrose Retirement Community in Wasilla.

Ken was born Oct. 23, 1942, in Oakland, Calif., to Albin and Doris Neslund. He grew up in a family of craftsmen who loved the outdoors. He met his future wife, Linda Doris King, at a teen function at Avocado Lake, Calif., in 1961. He served as a radioman in the Navy from 1961-66. He was assigned to the USS Oakhill.

He married Linda in 1967. The adventurous duo packed their worldly possessions in a 1964 Volkswagen bus and left the warmth of Selma, Calif., to begin a life in the North. They arrived in Fairbanks in August 1969. Ken enrolled at University of Alaska Fairbanks. He received his Bachelor of Science degree and his teaching credential May 1972. Ken taught in Togiak and Valdez.

Ken was an innovative teacher, and a highly skilled craftsman and carpenter. His love of all things marine manifested itself throughout his curriculum in the Valdez Elementary School. His incredible gifts were shared with his children and students. The fifth- and sixth-graders built cedar strip canoes, paddles, skiffs and kayaks. He developed a marine science curriculum for his students that went beyond the classroom: The Coast Guard gave instruction for boat and water safety; the fire department taught and certified students in first aid; local Ham operators set up a “Ham shack” and students talked to Ham operators all over the world. Hundreds of Alaskan schoolchildren learned to identify constellations in the night sky as they learned navigational skills. Ken had his students launch their boats in Prince William Sound in an annual activity lovingly called Paddle Pandemonium. Ken was nominated for “Who’s Who of American Teachers” five times. Ken retired from teaching in 1997.

Ken and Linda traveled before settling lakeside in Sutton.

Ken is survived by his wife, Linda Doris Neslund; daughter and son-in-law, Helen Ruth and Jeff Vincent; grandchildren, Paige, Sarah, Nevin, Kenneth and Jeffrey of Palmer; son, David Albin and daughter-in-law, Kristine Neslund, and grandson, Leif Neslund of Wasilla; brother, Douglas Neslund of Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his oldest brother, Robert Cornelius “Neil” Jones.

A celebration of life is at 4 p.m., Oct. 22 at Valley Church of Christ, 6901 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Wasilla. A potluck until 7 p.m. will follow the celebration of life. Family and friends are encouraged to share humorous memories.

Condolences can be sent to: Linda Neslund P.O. Box 771, Palmer, AK 99645.

Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.