Rick R. Guhl

Palmer resident Rick R. Guhl, 59, died June 9, 2010, at his home due to a long-term illness. A memorial service will be June 19 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 440 E. Elmwood Ave., in Palmer. Rev. Jonathan Rockey will officiate.

Rick was born Sept. 23, 1950, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Edmund and Delores Guhl. He graduated from West High School in Waterloo and attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

On June 9, 1983, Rick drove the Al-Can with a good friend, Raymond Henry, and ended up calling Palmer his home. He loved fishing, camping, driving around Alaska’s back roads, playing with his newest grandson and visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee.

Rick died peacefully at home with his wife at his side.

He loved to fish for salmon on 6-pound test and took pride in often being the only person to be catching fish on many occasions.

He had a wonderful gift of being able to listen to others and help them with their problems. He was particularly close to his niece Dawn and her children and nephews Matt and Ben. They shared many special times together over the years.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sara Guhl of Palmer; daughter, Erin Swigart and family of Palmer; daughter, Ellen Guhl of Bellwood, Pa.; son, Brian McNeal and family of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughter, Sara Freiberger and family of Dubuque, Iowa; parents, Ed and Delores Guhl of Waterloo, Iowa; brother, Larry Guhl and Char, Iowa; brother, Jeff Guhl and Lora both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother, Ralph of Virginia Beach, Iowa; sister, Rhonda Stewart and family of Grandview, Texas; sister, Deanna Wilkerson and family of Canyon, Texas; and sister-in-law, Julie Guhl and family of Palmer.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Guhl; first wife, Jo McNeal; nephew, Scott Guhl; and great-niece, Amanda Guhl.

His ashes will be scattered at his favorite fishing holes at Eklutna Tailrace and Jim Creek.

Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Palmer.