May 26, 2006

JOHN GREGORY KNAPP

Lifelong Alaska resident John Gregory Knapp, 26, died May 21, 2006, at Providence Alaska Medical Center from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident. A service was Thursday, May 25, 2006, at Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer. The Rev. Fred Martin officiated, and a reception followed at the Moose Lodge in Palmer.

He was born June 13, 1979, in Anchorage. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1997, earned his associate of arts degree from Mat-Su College, and a bachelor of arts at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He served in the U.S. Army reserves, active duty, for two years, and in the reserves for four years. He was born in Alaska, and spent four years in Cordova, three years in Knight Island, and one year in Fairbanks before settling in Palmer.

He was a member of the Carpenter's Local 1281 and worked on many construction projects in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, including work on the new Mat-Su Regional Hospital, different schools in Anchorage, and the Ted Stevens International Airport.

He attended Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer. He loved Star Wars movies, books and memorabilia; and baseball, especially the Oakland A's. He loved to play baseball and basketball.

His family said, &#8220I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.' Psalm 40:1-3.”

He was preceded in death by his nephew Kenneth Kramer.

He is survived by his father, Gregory John Knapp Sr. of Palmer; mother, Donna Ruth Mihm of Anchorage; sisters, Sherry Resler of Houston, Texas, Patricia Kramer of Wasilla, Christine Steele of Palmer, Katherine Martin of Valdez and Tara Knapp of Anchorage; and brother, Gregory Knapp Jr. of Palmer.

Memorial donations may be sent to P.O. Box 2682, Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements were provided by Witzleben Family Funeral Home.

DAVID LAUREL

ROBBINS

David Laurel Robbins, 73 of Wasilla, died at home May 22, 2006, of natural causes.

A viewing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church of Wasilla on Bogard and Leatherleaf.

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Fred Stroud officiating.

Interment is set for 4 p.m. at Angelus Memorial Park in Anchorage.

He was born Jan. 26, 1933, in Rapid City, S.D., attending Rapid City High School and graduating With a bachelor's degree from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City. He served two years in the U.S. Army in Korea.

He became an Alaska resident in 1977, living in Anchorage until 2000 prior to moving to Wasilla.

He was chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction operations division in Alaska until his retirement in November 1990.

He was awarded the Bronze Order of the De Fleury Medal, and numerous commendations for his service with the Corps of Engineers.

He enjoyed watching movies and sports, working in his yard, visiting with friends and family, and playing golf.

His family said, "In his younger days, Dave enjoyed fishing, golfing and bowling. Of all the places he has lived in his life, he loved Alaska the best and called it home. He was loved very much and will be missed by his family and friends."

He is survived by his wife, Mija Robbins of Wasilla; son, Everett Robbins of Anchorage; daughter, Kim Vik of Seattle; daughter-in-law, Cathy Robbins of Anchorage; son-in-law, Geir Vik of Seattle; grandsons, Sean Robbins of Anchorage, Brian Robbins of San Diego and Lars Vik of Seattle; granddaughters, Sarah Robbins of Anchorage and Laila Vik of Seattle; sister, Phyllis Gladbach of Mendon, Mo.; and brother-in-law, Vic Gladbach of Mendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK

Valley Funeral Home of Wasilla is assisting the family with services.

GRAHAM ALLAN ROLSTAD

Wasilla resident Graham Allan Rolstad, 65, died May 19, 2006, at his home of a sudden heart attack.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2006, at First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, located at 1375 Bogard Road.

He was born Jan. 28, 1941, to George and Marie Rolstad in Tacoma, Wash. He received his bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 1964, and worked as a telecommunications engineer in Washington and Oregon.

He and his wife also raised Concord grapes in Washington's Yakima Valley.

He came to Alaska in 1977, and for 20 years headed the engineering department at Matanuska Telephone Association, before retiring in 1998.

He was a member of the Palmer Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited and the Corvette Restoration Society.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting game birds, and visiting with family and friends. After retirement, the couple traveled extensively in their motor home.

Recently, he also enjoyed helping friends with log milling and construction projects.

His family stated, &#8220Graham was a loving, caring family man who lived his life with integrity and energy, and almost always wore a smile. He loved Alaska and the outdoors, spending many enjoyable days fishing for salmon and halibut with his three sons and other fishing buddies.

&#8220Graham loved playing with his five grandchildren, and always went through withdrawal when it was time to return home from a visit. He would say that he was a fortunate man to have a loving family and a good life here in Alaska.”

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Edde Rolstad; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Ginger Rolstad of San Rafael, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Tara Rolstad of Lake Oswego, Ore.; grandchildren, Brittany, Kristen, Connor, Aidan and Finn; brother, George Rolstad and his wife Gaye; and brother, James Rolstad and his wife Kris, all of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Rolstad.

Please send memorial donations to the Food Pantry of Wasilla, 501 East Bogard Road, Wasilla 99654.

Arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.