Kay Eliason Sr.

Kay Edward Eliason, Sr., 87, died Saturday March 8, 2014 at Deerfield Retirement Community. A Memorial Service will be scheduled later this spring.

Kay was born September 18, 1926 in Letts, Iowa to Roscoe and Amanda "Peg" (Hoffman) Eliason. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering where he met and married the love of his life, Darlene Mae Philp, who died just months short of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1999.

In 1974 Kay and his family moved from Ft. Madison, Iowa to Alaska where he worked as the Senior Project Engineer for the Alaskan Pipe Line. Kay loved telling stories about his experiences in constructing the pipe line, and was recognized with multiple engineering awards, and he was most proud of his distinguished engineering alumni award from Iowa State. Iowa State University included his engineering construction management of the Alaskan Pipe Line as one of their top 150 Alumni achievements during their Sesquicentennial Celebration. He loved meeting people and truly enjoyed his years at Deerfield, where he moved in 2008. Kay and Darlene's most important legacy is how proud they were of their seven children, 18 grand-children, and 10 great-grandchildren and his favorite time was when they would come to visit or talk on the phone.

Survivors include his children: Mary Kay (Robert) Mahan of Madison, AL, William Eliason of Kansas City, MO, Jay (Carolyn) Eliason of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Peggy Ann Michelmore of Mackay, Queensland, Australia, Kay "Kayce" (Deb Laufer) Eliason of Anchorage, AK; daughters-in-law: Linda Eliason and Beverly Eliason of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sons: John Mark and Scott Eliason, son-in-law David Michelmore, and sister, Ann Clague.

The family would like to thank the staff of Deerfield Retirement Community for their compassion and outstanding care. Memorial contributions may be made to Lifespace Foundation at Deerfield 13731 Hickman Road Urbandale, IA 50323, John Mark Eliason Educational Fund at the [Greater Alaska Foundation, Anchorage, AK], or charity or your choice. On-line condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.