STEVEN M. WILLSON

Palmer resident Steven Merton Willson, 50, died of cancer at his home Feb. 15, 2005. A memorial service was held Feb. 18 at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Wasilla, with Pastor Jon Kehren officiating. His ashes will be scattered at the family homestead in the Blueberry Hill subdivision of Eagle River.

Mr. Willson was born on Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D., on March 5, 1954. In 1959, he moved with his family to Anchorage. In July 1961 the family moved to Eagle River.

He graduated from Chugiak High School and served as a specialist 4 in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1976. Most of his employment history involved working as a mechanic and carpenter.

He enjoyed building airboats, fishing and most anything else that had to do with the outdoors and Alaska.

His family wrote, "Steve was a very loving and caring man who enjoyed life. He loved his church and worship time. He loved visiting his friends and family and just hanging out and relaxing. He also loved everything about our great state."

Mr. Willson is survived by his mother, Ruth E. Willson of Wasilla; daughters, Spc. 4 Amanda Bella, currently serving for the U.S. Army in Iraq, Laura E. Chamberlin of Wasilla and Hannah L. Willson of Kenai; sons, Timothy M. and Ezra S. Willson, both of Palmer; granddaughters, Andraia N. Bella of New York and Monica L. Holstrom of Wasilla; grandson, Christopher M. Bella of New York; wife, Linda Willson of Palmer; sisters, Sylvia I. Yetter of New York and Renee D. Milam of California and a brother, David C. Willson of Juneau.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Wasilla, AK 99654. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.