Steve Button

Longtime Alaskan Captain Steve Button, 57, went to fish with Jesus on July 21, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

A celebration of life is at 2 p.m., July 27 at the Salvation Army, 209 W. Evergreen, Palmer. Refreshments and a concert by Charlie Overby will follow.

Steve was born July 2, 1956, in Green Bay, Wisc., to James and Regina Button. However, he grew up in Iowa with his two older brothers, where his Uncle Doug taught him to hunt, fish, trap and respect nature and all it offers. Steve married Donna Steinkamp in August 1980, and together they headed to Alaska where Steve started the “Elite Drywall” business. With the late 1980s, and decline in construction, Steve moved his family to Hawaii. Returning to Alaska, Steve brought two more children and a business, “Crystal Sea Charters.” Steve had turned his love of fishing into a career. Steve loved fishing, hunting, the Green Bay Packers and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children, Dawn and Zach Paulson, Lowell Button, Stephanie Button and Benjamin Button of Palmer; grandchildren, Carter, Kaylee, Cooper and Kenna Paulson of Palmer; brother, James Button of Iowa; several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve’s name to the Palmer High School football or wrestling programs, 1170 W. Arctic Ave. Palmer, AK 99645. For more information, contact Kim Akers 746-8408.