Obituaries

Irene Saden

August 8, 1937—November 19, 2021

Born to Albert & Ulianna Brookman in Sitka, AK. Irene was the youngest of 7 children. As a young lady she married and moved to Seattle where she had her children Glen, Tanny & Tina. After living in Seattle for about twelve years she moved back to Wasilla Alaska and became the first female barber, where she became friends with musher of the Alaskan Iditarod.

Irene loved coming to Seattle to visit her family. She loved going to Leavenworth, Bingo and to the ocean to gather agates. Irene also loved riding the train to the Seattle Mariners games.

Irene was loved by many and will be in our hearts forever. She left pieces of herself behind everywhere she went.

Mae Demidoff

June 8, 1931—February 3, 2023

Mae was born in Ninilchik Alaska to Mary and Alex A Kvasnikoff (Russian-speaking parents) and was raised with 9 siblings. Mae was an original Ninilchik Natives Association, Inc. shareholder.

Mae was a devout member of the Russian Orthodox Church alongside her husband, Cecil, who was appointed church Starosta and reader. She enjoyed caring for the graves of loved ones, the upkeep of the church, visiting with tourists, and attending every service that she could. Mae hosted many feasts and gatherings and boarded several visiting priests throughout the years.

Her house was beautifully kept and always had an open door for visitors. She enjoyed gardening, knitting slipper socks, playing the accordion, and visiting with family and friends. She was fondly known to many near and far as Auntie Mae, Grandma Chik, and Mom. Mae was an inspiration to everyone with her positive attitude, an abundance of energy, and passion for life.

Carl Eugene Kelly

September 1, 1949 – March 21, 2022

Carl Eugene Kelly departed this Earthly life and entered into Eternal rest in the early morning hours of March 21st. He passed away peacefully at the Paula J. Baber hospice Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa holding the hand of his granddaughter and in company of his last surviving daughter.

Services will be taking place with a visitation Thursday, March 31st, from 5-7 p.m. at Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Graveside service will be performed by Carl’s brother-in-law John Judson at 9:30 a.m. at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, with full military honors observed.

Carolyn Reifsnyder

July 28, 1933 — December 20, 2022

Born in Ninilchik Village, Ak to Reverend Michael G Oskolkoff and Matushka Zoya (Darien) Oskolkoff. Carolyn was an artist and accomplished painter. She enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening, moose hunting, and clam digging. She also had a passion for singing and was a member of the Anchorage chapter of the Sweet Adelines International and performed onstage at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Carolyn was an original shareholder of the Ninilchik Natives Association, Inc. and served on the Board of Directors in 1975.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Frank W Reifsnyder; daughter Kimberly Issermoyer Clay; her parents; brothers, Larry, Grassim, Gus, Michael Jr., Allen, and Ralph; and sisters, Alice Bouwens and Ella Woodhead.

She is survived by her son, Mike Issermoyer of League City; brother, Arnold Oskolkoff of Kenai, Alaska; sister, Nancy Ahlrich of Kenai; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank Ross Cooper

November 8, 1962 — August 16, 2022

Frank was born to Thomas Ribbs Tenn and Emily Emma Cleveland (Cooper). Frank was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Cooper; brother Stanley W Penn, sisters; Josephine Carrie Black, Doneen Ivy Penn and Francine Brito Penn.

He is survived by niece; Leticia Jaime and nephews; William Kenneth Wilken, Dewey Ross Penn, Charles Windwallker Penn, and Micheal Allen Kingsley.

Celebration of Life was held on September 3, 2022 at La Push Shaker Church

Kellie Dean Kvasnikoff

September 17, 1963 — January 31, 2023

Kellie was born in Seward, Alaska, to Dean and Lynda Kvasnikoff. He was a lifelong Alaskan and Ninilchik resident. Kellie was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik as well as a Ninilchik Natives Association, Inc. shareholder.

The family wrote, “Kellie will be missed by family and all his friends. He was the only son of Dean and Lynda Kvasnikoff. He left Alaska to get an education in Computers, but his heart brought him back to Alaska where he fished with his son Alex Kvasnikoff. He had a quick wit and a wonderful smile, and his laugh was so boisterous it couldn’t help but draw you in. Kellie never met a stranger and would always lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His family was so proud of who he had become.”