Selden Jacob Endes

Selden Jacob Endes, 73, died March 1, 2013.

Selden was born Sept. 26, 1939, in Gregory, S.D., to Ted and Julia Endes. Selden lived in Gregory for 17 years with his family of four brothers and two sisters. Job opportunities took the family to Bakersfield, Calif., where Selden started working as a mechanic after school. Once out of high school, he opened his own mechanic shop and met the love of his life, Dora Mae Johnston.

Soon thereafter, Selden and Dora Mae married and started their own family. Selden had an adventurous spirit and knew he wanted more from life than what California had to offer. In 1969, they sold their home, packed up the truck with their kids, dog and belongings and headed to Alaska. It was in Alaska that he discovered how to build his own home, snowmachine race, downhill ski, fly and chase the dream of being a true Alaskan.

Selden worked for Matanuska Telephone Association as the shop foreman from 1974 to 1999. Selden then opened his own shop and worked until September 2012. He took great pride in his work accomplishments.

Selden had an immense love for his family and always made sure they were taken care of.

“Selden was highly respected, admired and loved by all that truly knew him. He will be missed beyond measure,” his family wrote. “We are comforted in knowing that he is with Christ his savior and rejoicing with his heavenly family.”

Surviving are his loving wife, Dora Mae; son, Morey Endes; daughter, Pamela (Brian) Green; daughter, Acadia Lightner; brother, Ken (Bonnie) Endes; brother, Lester (Kathy) Endes; brother, Danny (Phyllis) Endes; sister, Catherine (Rick) Hood; grandchildren, Jacob Burkhart, David Cullison, Macy Green, Joshua Endes and Tessa Endes; great-grandchildren Jade Cullison, Noelle Cullison, Steele Cullison and Adalee Burkhart; cousins, Shauna (Richard) Rameriz, Jim (Dalene) Pinkley and Taylor (Kelly); and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death was his father, Ted; mother, Julia; brother, David; sister, Judy Wilsons; and cousin, Kathryn Pinkley.

A celebration of Selden’s life will be held at a later date.