Wesley Atwood Andersen

Wesley Atwood Andersen passed away to be with the Lord, January 1, 2020. Wes was 89 years old. He was born August 16, 1930 in Asotin, Washington. Wes was adopted at age six from the Lewiston Children’s Home in Idaho by Henry and Sue Andersen. The Andersen family owned a tour boat business on Lake Coeur d’Alene, which fostered Wes’ life-long love of boating.

Being on the water was a constant theme in Wes’ life.

As a young man, he hauled logs on St. Joe River to Coeur d’Alene. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marine. His tour of duty in the Navy aboard USS MATACO in 1951, sent him to Korea (during the Korean War at Inchon), Japan, and China. As a newlywed, he and wife Kay moved to Alaska in 1958. He primarily worked in the carpentry trade, and also as a commercial crab fisherman in Kodiak. He and Kay raised their three children in Wasilla, Alaska.

After his retirement, Wes and his family spent their leisure time fishing and exploring the majestic Prince William Sound aboard his beloved boat, the Coho.

He will forever be remembered by his wife of 62 years, Kay, and children Bret, Andria (Scott), Eric (Mandy), and fondly be remembered by his grandchildren Tyler, Jazlyn, Orion, Jessica, Liam and Carisa, and great-grandchildren Tegan and Lucas Wesley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, Alaska, with Pastor Henry Woodall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Family Promise of Mat Su, Mat Su Youth Housing (My House), or Knik House.