Palmer Pioneer Home resident celebrating 104th birthday

PALMER — Pioneer Home resident Ida Stadler is celebrating her 104th birthday Thursday, March 10.

“I’m glad I am here,” Stadler said.

Janice Luce is also very glad that her close friend is still here. Luce credited Stadler’s long and fulfilling life to her active and healthy lifestyle. She said that Stadler was known for always eating wholesome food and engaging in exercise such as hiking on a regular basis.

“I think it’s remarkable but it doesn’t surprise me,” Luce said.

Luce has been friends with Stadler for over 35 years. She said that Stadler is one of the most caring and sociable people you could ever meet.

“She never had anything bad to say about anybody. She’s the kind of person that once you met her, you’d just like her,”

Luce is going to help Stadler celebrate her 104th birthday along with Pioneer Home staff and residents.

“That will be fun,” Luce said.

Luce visits Stadler regularly. She said that she used to work at the Pioneer Home and she’s glad to see her friend receive the quality care that she deserves.

“I think it’s a wonderful place, I really do. They really care about the people,” Luce said.

Stadler was born on March 10, 1918 in Watkins, Montana. She moved to Alaska with her husband Emil in 1945. Luce said that Stadler found work wherever she could, whether it was as a waitress or working at uniquely Alaskan places such as the Jonesville and Independence mines.

Luce told Stadler that she had “a lot of spunk” during her recent visit on Monday, Feb. 7.

“I guess I have to, living here [Alaska],” Stadler said with a laugh.

Stadler and her husband built their life out of Palmer and made many lasting memories and friendships over the years.

“She’s well known around here,” Luce said.

MaryAnn Anderson and Dolores Steffes are both longtime friends of Stadler and fellow residents of the Pioneer Home.

“We made it this far. We must have done something right,” Steffes said with a laugh.

Anderson said that she met Stadler when she moved to Palmer in the 1940s. She said Stadler and Emil were always kind and helpful over the years.

“Her husband would grow the best raspberries,” Anderson said.

Palmer Pioneer Home Administrator Joshua Shaver said that Stadler was healthier than many other senior living residents that are decades younger than her. He said it’s an inspiring milestone to witness.

“I think it’s awesome when you see people show such longevity. I hope I do as well,” Shaver said.

For more information about the Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer, call 907-745-4241 or visit dhss.alaska.gov/daph/Pages/palmer.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com