Walter Gayman

February 21, 1947 - October 11, 2024

Longtime Alaska resident, Walter A. Gayman, "Wally", 77, passed away on Oct. 11, 2024, in his home, with his family at his side.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1947, to Walter Arthur Gayman, Sr. and Bernice Lenore Anibal, in St. Paul, MN. He grew up in St. Paul and spent many summers in Mapleton, MN, with his cousins, on the Duncanson farm. He was a member of Como Park Lutheran Church, and became an Eagle Scout when he was 13. He enjoyed all aspects of Minnesota's great outdoors, including deer hunting at "The Cabin" in Two Harbors, fishing, water sports and scuba.

He graduated from Murray High School in 1965, where he was also a multi-sport athlete excelling in football and hockey. He attended St. Cloud State University for a year, and played hockey for its team. In 1966, while working construction, he attended the St. Paul Vocational Institute (masonry) in the evening, and graduated in 1969. He was a master mason who worked on numerous projects in Alaska. In retirement, he constructed inukshuks and bear paws of stone and gave them to friends and acquaintances.

In 1967 he enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, later transferring to the Alaska Airforce National Guard, completing his service in Anchorage, in 1970.

In April 1969, he and lifelong friend, Dave Olson, drove to Alaska, where he found work in Fairbanks and decided to make Alaska his home.

He met his wife, Gudrun "Goody" Gayman, in 1965, and they were married on July 4, 1970, in Nome, Alaska. They honeymooned in Europe for 6 ½ weeks, where they toured in a Volkswagen bus that they drove out of the auto factory in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1971 they moved to Anchorage, settling in Knik in 1972, where Wally owned and successfully operated Knik Masonry. He built a log home and they started a family. He coached several of his children's hockey teams, and attended school and sporting events, consistently dedicating time to encourage their passions and support their endeavors.

He had many good friends and kept in touch with most of them over the years, in recent years meeting with several groups weekly. He was proud of celebrating 34 years of sobriety, and helped many join him.

Wally is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gudrun "Goody" Gayman, daughter, Nicole Lynn Gdula (Chris), son, Brandon Walter Gayman (Amy), Nadia Noel Kiefer (Michael), grandchildren Henry and Avery Gayman, Mason and Vivian Gdula, and Haddie Kiefer, his siblings, Barbara Blank, Gloria (Al) Viehl, Gayl (Mike) Pearson, his mother-in-law, Jutta Valiukas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Henry Valiukas, brother-in-law, Dale Blank, cousin, Lynn Duncanson, and longtime friend, Bill Barrick. Anyone who knew Wally, knew that he loved his family, his friends, his dog, football, playing golf and cribbage, reading his paper or a good book, anything John Deere, and Alaska. He lived a great life, was truly loved, and will be sorely missed.

Wally's family would like to thank the staff at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, particularly Dr. Benjamin Walz and Dr. Curtis Mina. We are also grateful to Ancora Hospice Home and Health Care for its staffs' exceptional care and professional service. Heartfelt thanks as well, to Pastor Duane Guisinger for his love and support. The family asks that you plant a tree in Wally's honor (Memorial Tree.com). A celebration of life will take place in June 2025. Please forward an email to the following address for updates on Wally's Celebration of Life service. celebratewally@gmail.com.