Robert (Bob) Lee Woolsey

Long time Alaskan Robert (Bob) Lee Woolsey Sr. 94 of Wasilla passed away June 5, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson Hospital surrounded by his children.

Bob was born August 14, 1929, in Waupaca, WI to Anna and Joseph Woolsey. He was the youngest of 6 children.

At the age of 17, he joined the Army and was assigned to the 14th Constabulary Regiment in Germany at the end of World War II. The Regiment was often referred to by the regular Army as the Circle C Cowboys. When he returned home, he met and married Lorraine Quaintance on March 31, 1951.

They settled in Waupaca, WI and started a family, however duty and spirit of adventure called again in the late 50’s and Bob signed up for 2 tours in Greenland working on the Thule Early Warning Station. His desire to move to Alaska came true with a phone interview conducted by the then Governor of Alaska, William Egan, for a position with the State of Alaska Disaster Office in 1966. Loading up the station wagon with wife, kids and his favorite hunting dog, he hit the road for Alaska arriving in Anchorage in April 1966. After working for several years with Disaster Office a new program was being implemented in the Alaska Court System. He became the court’s sole video technician operating and recording trials until the program ended. Bob then took a position with the Municipality of Anchorage installing and maintaining all emergency and communication equipment on Anchorage’s Fire and Police Department’s vehicles and radios until his retirement in 1991. Bob and Lorraine moved to Wasilla soon after.

Bob loved telling stories that usually ended up being some sort of joke. He had a great sense of humor which his children can attest to. They often being the brunt of his pranks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, son Richard (Dickie), granddaughter Kori Hornstein Williams, great granddaughter Kara Lamb, son in laws Lynn Mountford and Robert Hornstein.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of 73 years, daughters Kathleen Mountford and Linda Hornstein, sons, Robert Woolsey Jr (Sandi) and Scot Woolsey. 11 Grandchildren, 19 Great grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. And his beloved golden retriever, SitkaRose.

A private family graveside service will be held with Military Honor performed by the Palmer Elk Lodge Honor Guard on June 13, 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla. Dave Eller, Chaplin for the Wasilla Fire and Police Department will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Woolsey, Michael Lamb, Sally Dial, Brandon Woolsey, Huntre Woolsey and Shane Woolsey.

A special thank you to the team in MSU at Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson Hospital for their care and compassion and to Dr. Richard Anschuetz for his care and friendship.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Disabled Veterans of America.