RONALD E. REBARCHEK

Palmer colonist Ronald Eugene Rebarchek, 70, died peacefully of natural causes April 14, 2005, at his home.

No services are scheduled.

Mr. Rebarchek was born June 18, 1934 in Graceton, Minn.

Not yet a year old, in May 1935, he moved with his family to Alaska, where they took part in the colonization of Palmer.

He graduated from high school and served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was a heavy-equipment operator by trade and retired from the Heavy Equipment Operators Union.

His father, mother and a sister preceded him in death.

He is survived by his sister, Maralyn Messer of Arizona; nieces and their families, Melody Caswell of Wasilla, Kathy Van Lant of Palmer, and Penny Rheale of Washington; nephews and their families, Mike Hodsdon of Palmer, Mark Hodsdon of Sterling, Dave Carman of Washington, Steve Carman of Washington, Jody Carman of Wasilla and Chip Carman of Washington.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.