Michael Levon

(Little Mike) Thompson

Michael Levon (Little Mike) Thompson, 48, died May 22, 2007, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer. Honorary Pallbearers will be Andrew Thomas, Donald Carrols, Larry Thompson, Challa Baker, Glenn Erickson and Dennis Poston.

Mr. Thompson was born on Jan. 15, 1959, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Thompson lived previously in Anchorage before spending the rest of his life in Big Lake. He was a self-employed, laborer, landscaper and a bouncer at the Alley Cat. He was of the Mormon religion. Some hobbies he enjoyed were boating, living things and having fun with his friends.

His family stated, &#8220Mike went to school in Rabbit Creek. Mike was a character who did what he wanted, when he wanted. Little Mike loved partying, hanging out with his friends, fishing, boating and his female friends. Mike was an honest, hard-working, loving and a true friend. Mike would help anyone, share everything and was a stand-up guy. Mike had too many friends to list, but his favorite friend and love was Ms. Mary Lou Woods, his companion of 15 years. He will be truly missed, but at least their time together now makes his passing easier to take. We all loved you both so much, goodbye our friends. There will be a Celebration of Life at a further date which will be announced via phone and flyers.”

He is survived by his sister, Varona Thompson of Big Lake; brother, Larry Thompson of Anchorage; brother, Ralph Thompson of Washington; brother, Dennis Poston of Big Lake; brother, Glen Erickson of Anchorage.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Lavon Thompson; mother, Roberta Lorina Thompson; longtime companion, Mary Woods; grandfather, Johnny Patrick and his grandmother, Guenna Thompson.

Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla assisted the Family with arrangements.

Stanley L. Larimer

Wasilla resident Stanley L. Larimer, 90, died May 22, 2007, at Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 27, at Family Christian Center, 203 W. Dogwood Ave. in Palmer.

Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel in Anchorage.

Marie Louise Johns

Longtime Valley resident Marie Louise Johns, 84, passed away May 23, 2007, after a brief but brave battle with cancer at Mat-Su Regional Hospital in Palmer.

Marie was born Dec. 15, 1922, in New Orleans, La. She came to Alaska in 1946 and she retired from MTA in 1986 as a collections supervisor.

Her family wrote: &#8220She cherished her family, loved to laugh, and enjoyed crafting and gardening. She was awarded the &#8220Garden of the Year” in Palmer for her lovely and colorful yard. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Palmer Elks Lodge #1842 Scholarship Fund, 2600 N. Barry's Resort Rd., Wasilla, AK 99654.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Robert Johns, Sr.; Sister, Doris Heinonen of Michigan; Sons, Robert Johns, Jr. and wife Ibtisam of Georgia, and Victor Johns and wife Kathi of Palmer; Grandchildren, Shannon Huber and husband Jeff, Heather LaFramboise and husband Keith, Sandy Cyr and husband John, Albert Burns and wife Laura, James Burns and wife Lisa, Louis Johns, and Jenifer Johns; nine great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Local arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer

Mortuary.

Raymond Paul McCarthy

Raymond Paul McCarthy, 78 died on May 13th, 2007 at his home in Wasilla due to Leukemia. A graveside inurnment service will be held on May 30, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery. Pastor Duane Hanson will officiate the service.

Mr. McCarthy was born on July 11, 1928, in Portland, Ore. He graduated from high school and then went on to attend Power Plant Operator's school. He also served in the Army.

In 1970, Mr. McCarthy moved to Alaska, living in Adak until 1973, when he moved to Wasilla, where he spent the rest of his life.

Mr. McCarthy was employed as the Power Plant Operatior at Albany Falls DAM, Newport, Wash., from 1953-1970. He also worked at a diesel plant in Adak from 1970-73, and then worked at the Eklutna Power Plant from 1973 until retirement, when he retired from the civil service. He was very involved in the community and won many awards, there are far too many to list. Some of his special interests included being a community activist, environmentalist and a human-being worthy of emulation.

His family stated, &#8220Our father set a standard for devotion to his community that his children will be hard pressed to live up to in their own.”

Mr. McCarthy is survived by his daughter, Gayla McCarthy of Waimea, Hawaii; son, Dennis McCubbin of Portland, Oregon; son, Doug McCubbin of Seattle, Washington and his grandson, Raymond T. McCubbin of Anchorage.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Lydia McCarthy in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Junior Iditarod.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.

Rolend Blank

Big Lake resident, Rolend Blank, 79, died May 25, 2007, peacefully.

He was born May 30, 1927, in Sauk Center, Minn. He served in the Korean War, then moved to Alaska in 1955, and worked for Freeman Lumber in Goat Creek, Alaska, until moving to Big Lake in 1959, where he bought and ran Big Lake Lodge for 42 years until retiring.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Hilda Blank.

He is survived by his wife, Helmi; son, Greg Blank; daughter, Diane Kepl; grandchildren, Tori, Camin and Tierra Blank; and various nieces and nephews. There will be a final Birthday Party/Celebration of Life at

The Hangar Lounge in Big Lake on May 30, Wednesday, from

5 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.