Lawrence Joseph Traxinger

Longtime Alaska resident Lawrence Joseph Traxinger, 83, passed away Feb. 28, 2014, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer surrounded by his family and God’s grace.

Lawrence was born May 7, 1930, in Herreid, S.D. Lawrence was a member of the U.S. Army. He moved to Alaska in 1953. Lawrence married the love of his life, Kathleen A. Kubala, built a cabin on their homestead and worked for more than 30 years as an asbestos worker.

Lawrence’s family wrote, “He was a loving husband, loving father and a man of great faith. He was a hardworking, honorable man who provided for his family. He loved Alaska — especially during moose hunting season.”

Many family members fondly refer to him as “The Moose Man.”

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Laverna Traxinger; and his sister, Mavis Hatch.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen Traxinger; brothers, Robert Traxinger and Paul Traxinger; sisters, Mary Horst and Patricia Evina; nine children in birth order with spouses, Kitty and James Mullican, Sonny Traxinger, Constance and Michael Moustakis, Caren and Shawn McIntyre, Shirley and Brian Saupe, Sam and Kamal Traxinger, John Traxinger, Dan and Nicki Traxinger, and Theresa and Todd Whitehurst; grandchildren, Jeremiah, Josiah, Joshuah, Melinda, Michael, Melaina, Emily, Ashley, Deacon, Sophia, Olivia, Morgan and Megan; and great-grandchildren, Wesley, Silas and Hunter.

A funeral mass is at 1 p.m., March 8 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 432 E. Fireweed Ave., in Palmer. Reception immediately follows in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Children’s Alopecia Project, P.O. Box 6036, Wyomissing, PA 19610 or electronically at childrensalopeciaproject.org.

Lawrence will rest forever in our Lord’s peace at the Traxinger Homestead.