RICHARD J. MOMMSEN

Palmer resident Richard J. Mommsen, 77, died of a stroke at Valley Hospital on Aug. 1, 2004. His ashes will be scattered over Mount McKinley.

Mr. Mommsen was born March 15, 1927, in Elk River, Idaho. He moved with his family to Anchorage in 1937, where he attended grade and high schools. In 1940, his family moved to McKinley Park. He also lived in Kenai, Wasilla and finally, Palmer, where he died. He joined the U.S. Army and was in the 10th Rescue Squad in 1945. He worked many years for the highway department in Kenai and Mount McKinley until receiving a medical retirement in 1981. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla and loved kayaking, cross-country skiing and mountain climbing.

His friend, Kurt, said of him, "He was called 'Sonny' (his nickname) by many of his friends and loved homemade cookies."

Mr. Mommsen has no surviving blood relatives and is survived by many longtime friends in the Kenai, Soldotna, Wasilla and Palmer areas.

Memorial donations in Mr. Mommsen's honor may be made to the building fund for First Presbyterian Church at 1375 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.