Verne Rupright, former Mayor of Wasilla, dies

Former Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright passed away suddenly on May 26, 2024, his family announced over the weekend. He was 72.

Rupright served as Mayor of Wasilla from 2008 to 2014. According to his obituary, he was born in Massachusetts in 1951, later enlisting in the United States Air Force, and was sent to Vietnam as a medic. After his Air Force enlistment ended, he joined the Army. Verne moved to Alaska in 1976, and trained as an Artic Scout, being one of only seven soldiers to pass the course. He later became an officer and joined the Alaska National Guard, becoming a Captain of the 9th Armored Calvary division.

Rupright worked on the gas pipeline construction in various capacities, was a business owner in Anchorage, served as a State Probation officer, a Corrections officer, and after he received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University in 1992, became an attorney.

In 2008, Rupright was elected Mayor and served until 2014, while continuing to practice law until her retired in 2020.

He was an active and prominent presence at VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla, serving as their JAG officer and was a lifetime member. His memorial service will be held June 9, 2024, at the VFW, beginning at 2 p.m.

According to his obituary, donations can be made in his honor to AL Aska Shriners Oasis of the Midnight Sun Anchorage.