WILLIAM L. MELCHERT

Sutton resident William Lee Melchert, 47, died in Sutton on Feb. 4, 2004.

A celebration of his life was held at the Alpine Bar in Sutton, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. A private scattering of his ashes will be with his family in Waupun, Wisc.

Mr. Melchert was born June 18, 1956, in Ladysmith, Wisc.

He graduated from high school in Hill City, S.D. He attended aviation school in Anchorage and received his private pilot's license.

Mr. Melchert became a resident of Alaska in 1974. He had lived in Anchorage and Fairbanks before moving to Sutton a year ago.

Mr. Melchert had worked for Kenworth, Alaska, Moor Motors General Parts and Service in Anchorage, Carlile in Anchorage, North Star Trucking in Fairbanks and was the owner and operator of Bill Melchert Trucking in Sutton.

His hobbies included flying, snow mobiling, fishing and camping.

His family wrote, "He will be remembered for his love for his four daughters, Natasha, Lindsey, Kelsey and Cameron, trucking with his Dad, and his smile."

Mr. Melchert is survived by his father Bill Melchert Sr.; daughters Natasha Melchert, Lindsey Melchert, Kelsey Melchert and Cameron Melchert; grandson Kaiden Murphy; brother Robert Melchert; sister Darcie Swanson; special friend Ciysha Stephenson; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers a fund has been set up in his name at Northrim Bank, 850 E. USA Circle, Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99654.