Nick Charles Stachelrodt

Palmer resident Nick Charles Stachelrodt, 45, died unexpectedly March 12, 2011, in Ketchikan while protecting his parents.

A memorial service to celebrate Nick’s life will be held at a later date.

He was born Feb. 11, 1966, in Tacoma, Wash., to Jon and Mary (Charles) Stachelrodt and was a longtime resident of Alaska. He lived in both Palmer and Ketchikan, and graduated from Palmer High School.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Hartzell, and brother, Richard Hartzell.

Nick is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lynn M. Stachelrodt of Palmer; daughters, Felisha, Danielle and Nichole, all of Palmer; granddaughter, Krystal Stachelrodt, also of Palmer. Also surviving are his parents, Mary and Jon Stachelrodt of Ketchikan; sister, Christa Oliver of Houston, Texas; brother, Dave Hartzell of Seattle, Wash.; and sister Tonette Oehler, also of Seattle. He also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nick enjoyed fishing and hunting and anything Alaska, and was a great friend to all who knew him.

“Nick was loved by all who knew him and he will be missed terribly,” his family wrote. “Nick was taken before his time and he is now an angel watching over all who loved him.”

Memorials in his memory may be sent C/O the family to 1110 W. Auklet Ave., Palmer, AK 99645

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory, Wasilla.