MICHAEL LOREN SCHARBER

Mr. Michael Loren Scharber, 47 died Jan. 15, 2004, at his home in Wasilla, surrounded by his family. He was born in Robinsdale, Minn., on June 14, 1956.

Services will be held Wednesday at 4 p.m., at Valley Funeral Home.

Mr. Scharber moved to Alaska with his family in 1961. He settled in Wasilla, where he owned and operated Wasilla Auto Salvage, which was his dream since he was 12 years old. His passions in life were Camaros, Chevy shortbed trucks, mud bogging, snowmachining and playing pool.

His family said, "Mike will be remembered by all in many different ways: His strong sense of family, loyalty and friendship, his generosity, and his long hair. He follows his mother Audrey V. Scharber to a better place. He will be greatly missed!"

He is survived by his wife Shauna Scharber; his father Loren Scharber; two sons, Michael Scharber and Matt Scharber and their wives Kirsten Scharber and Vicky Casey; his former wife of 21 years Patricia Wilkinson; sister Terri Caswell and her husband J.R. Caswell; brother Kevin Scharber and his wife Tara Scharber; three nieces, Jackie Caswell, Amanda Caswell and Kimberly; three nephews, Sonny Caswell, Robert Caswell and Tracy; six grandchildren, Thomas, Stephen, Dylan, Gabe, Michael Cameron and Jayden; his extended family in Minnesota, and many countless friends whom he considered family.

A memorial fund has been set up at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, acct. No. 71875, under the name of Rick Smedley.