Thomas Robert Beltz

Longtime Wasilla resident Thomas Robert Beltz, 67, died Oct. 20, 2011 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

A celebration of Tom’s life is at 3:30 p.m., Nov. 3 in room 115 at the Veterans Resource Center, 4201 Tudor Centre Drive, Anchorage.

Thomas was born Jan. 6, 1944, to Ernest and Catherine (Davis) Beltz in Allentown, Pa. He graduated from high school and entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years in Vietnam.

He then transferred into the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a flight mechanic on helicopters and C130s. Thomas retired from the U.S. Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1983. He lived in Anchorage for three years and moved to Wasilla in 1978.

“Thomas was a wonderful, loving husband,” wrote his wife.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 31 years, Barbara Beltz of Wasilla; a best friend, John Westfall of Wasilla; and his three dogs, Scooter, Susie and Dozer.