Alaska School Yearbooks by County
Rudolph (Rudy) William Maier
Rudolph (Rudy) William Maier died at his Juneau home on Aug. 17, 2010, among family and friends. He spent most of his years in Juneau, the city he loved his entire life.
There will be a memorial service for Maier at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Auke Bay Bible Church. Pastor Tim Frega will lead the service. There will be an open mic, and guests should feel free to share a short story about Maier that everyone would love to hear.
Refreshments will be served after the service.
John Howard Clauson
John Howard Clauson died Dec. 23, 2010, in Pelican - his home for more than 60 of his 89 years.
Clauson was "a man of few limitations and of an era when the world was wild and all you had was your wits and your friends. And mechanical advantage. No challenge was too daunting, as long as you could get enough leverage on it or hook it up to a diesel engine."
He volunteered for military service at the dawn of World War II and served on a landing ship in the Pacific Theater. In the seas of the south Pacific, his many years of Southeast maritime experience frequently meant he was the only crewman "not bent over a railing or worshipping a bucket." Many games of solitaire were played.
Immediately following his discharge from the Coast Guard, he talked a young lady from Walla Walla, Wash., named Elizabeth into marrying him, and then into moving to Alaska sight unseen. "Clearly, an immensely charming individual."
With his bride of 64 years he raised two children, Chris and Eric, and built a third, the fishing vessel Lightly.
He was an "institution," having been part of the Pelican experience nearly since the city's founding. He made the pioneering first successful trolling run to the Fairweather fishing grounds off Cross Sound, made some of the first detailed maps of the area and discovered and marked safe routes into natural harbors along Yakobi and Chichagof Islands. "He loved to build, and was the type to not rest until you had something he thought you needed, especially if he had to make it himself."
He was "a square-headed ol' Norwegian, as stubborn as he was, well, stubborn." He fished commercially well into his 80s, and had open-heart surgery at 85. "John always assumed he'd live forever, and now no one will ever be able to convince him otherwise. It's just like him to win an argument."
He is survived by his wife Betty, his fishing boat, fireplace, friends, family and friends that were family. A memorial will likely be held in early February, weather permitting. A small Viking longship full of afterlife necessities will be cast aflame into the sunset in his honor - items for which can be brought in person or sent to his grandson in Juneau. Betty may be reached at Sitka Pioneers Home, 120 Katlian St., Sitka, AK 99835
Persons wishing to make a gesture in memoriam are encouraged to do something they thought was impossible. There's a good chance you'll be surprised by what you can do.
Joan B. Hughes
Joan B. Hughes died on Jan. 18, 2011, in Everett, Wash., near her son and daughter-in-law. She was a lifetime member of the Pioneers of Alaska, born Nov. 10, 1930 to Deming Loren O’Connor and Florence Franconi O’Connor. Joan was later adopted to the loving family of Marion and Bessie Bucey.
Joan married John A. Baker of Everett and had a son, Jesse, in 1952 in Ketchikan. Several years later, Joan and family moved to Wrangell. However, Wrangell did not work for Joan and she moved on to Juneau after 13 years of marriage.
In Juneau, Joan completed some intense studies and as a result went to work for the State of Alaska. She had several positions with the state and enjoyed them all. After 30 years of service, Joan retired and spent most of her retirement years in Juneau.
Joan was an avid gardener and loved wild Alaska flowers. She was dedicated to her animals and treated them like they were her children.
Joan was a member of the Christian Science Church of Ketchikan. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
Joan was preceded in death by her partner and soulmate Virgil Pfitter, with which she shared many wonderful outings.
Joan is survived by her son, Jesse Baker and daughter-in-law Susana; a sister, Mary Hastings; nephew Ben Hastings; Sheila Zastrow and husband Ed of Ketchikan; Claire Guyatt of Texas; three grandchildren; Maria Graham and husband Mathew; April Blakemore; Jessie Jr. and wife Kim; three great-grandchildren; Joey Cole and Carter; daughter-in-law Darleen Carpenter; Kim and Hayden Garrison; and Ramona O’Dell and son Jack of Ketchikan.
A private service will be held with immediate family. A memorial service is planned in Ketchikan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201.
Steven Sinclair Wells
Steven Sinclair Wells died Feb. 2, 2011 at his home in Juneau. He was 58.
Steven was born Jan. 6, 1953 in Seattle, Wash., the son of Kenneth W. and Virginia A. (Tunem) Wells. He lived in the Ballard area of Seattle before moving to Yakutat and later to Juneau. He worked as a laborer in the Seattle shipyards.
He is preceded in death by his father, one brother, and one sister.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Duncan; his son, Kenny Ed Wells; two grandchildren; his mother, Virginia Wells; his brother, Kim Wells; and his sister, Tamera Puckett.
Arrangements will be made by the Cremation Society of Alaska, www.alaskacremation.com.
Leslie D. Williams
Tech. Sgt. Leslie D. Williams was born Jan. 25, 1975 in Juneau. He graduated from JDHS in 1993. He passed away Jan. 25, 2011. Leslie entered the Air Force on March 26, 1996. He attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and continued Technical School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he trained as an Armament Systems Specialist. His assignments include Eielson Air Force Base and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for the past 11 years. Williams’ awards include the Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
An airman of the 4th Fighter Wing, Les was also a remembered coach and much loved mentor of the Little Eagles football team in the Rosewood community in North Carolina.
Les is survived by his wife Tonya, sons Christian and Phoenix and daughter Allyson. Others survived by Les include his brother Joshua Williams; sisters Janet Williams, Mary Williams, and Jessica Williams. Williams grew up in the home of his aunt, Sue Ann Lindoff, whom he called “Mom Sue.” There, he lived with cousins he considered sibling Marcia Collins, Linda Williams and James Johnson. He is also survived by numerous family members throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.
A memorial fund has been set up in Les’ name. The money will go to ease some of the expenses and assist the family in any way possible. Contributions can be sent to the TSgt Leslie D. Williams Memorial Fund at USAA Federal Savings Bank, 10750 McDermott Freeway, San Antonio, TX 78288-9876. Please note account No. 120674858 and routing No. 314074269 on any contributions.
A memorial service to honor Williams will be held Sunday at the Tlingit and Haida Community Hall, 3235 Hospital Dr. Services will begin at 5 p.m. and a light luncheon will follow. For those wishing to contribute or who have any questions please contact Joshua Williams at 500-2791.
