Louis Melvin “Larry” Stadem

Louis Melvin “Larry” Stadem

Louis Melvin “Larry” Stadem died of pneumonia on March 22, 2020 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer with his wife Kathy by his side.

Larry was born October 15, 1941. His Norwegian immigrant parents, Marta Tryggstad Stadem and Peder Kristian Stadem lived in Levelock, Alaska, but his mother traveled to Dillingham for Larry’s birth in Kanakanak Hospital.

Larry grew up in Levelock and later moved with his family to Palmer, where he graduated from Palmer High School in 1961. After graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After completing his service, Larry worked as an electrician on Elmendorf until his retirement.

Larry has two sons, Ronald and Peder. Larry married Kathy in 1992 and continued to live in the Mat-Su Valley, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmachining with his many friends. He commercially fished in Bristol Bay for many years with his older brother Norman and was a member of the Palmer Elks Club and American Legion Post 15.

Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004 and spent his last years in the Palmer Veterans and Pioneer Home.

Larry was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Sonja McKee. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Palmer, brother Norman (Catherine) of Anchorage, sons Ronald (Tammy) of Wasilla and Peder of Missouri, grandchildren Gunnar and Madison Stadem of Wasilla, stepsons Randall and Scott Frank and their families. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Cremation arrangements by Kehl’s. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.