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Michael Coffer Obituary
A service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Eagle River, with a viewing from noon to 2 p.m. A potluck celebration of life will be afterward in the banquet room of the River City Saloon in Eagle River.
Mike was born Aug. 6, 1954, in California. He had been a resident of Eagle River since 1990, when the Army moved him there. His first time in Alaska was in 1982 for Arctic training and he fell in love with the state. He retired from the Army in 1994.
Mike was the cook for Issac Waltons before working with the Alaska Military Youth Academy, where he had been for several years.
In 1977, Mike married Sue and together they had five children.
He started MCL Services in 2004 for snowplowing and landscaping.
He loved riding his Harley, which his wife bought him for his 54th birthday. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, snowmachining and family time.
Friends said that "to sum him up would be the word 'love.' He would show love no matter what. He was a man of his word."
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sue; son, Michael II and his wife Katie of Peters Creek; daughters, Melissa Gillespie and husband Tommy of Fort Richardson, and Meggan Coffer and Matthew Coffer of Eagle River; stepdaughter, Heidi Fountaine and husband Darin of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren, Ethan and Connor Rinehart, Elizabeth and Kaylynn Coffer, and T.J. Gillespie; special daughter who was chosen, Rachel Miller and husband Ronnie Miller of Wasilla and their children Breanna and Cody; and many special friends, including Don and Deb Anderson of Puyallup, Wash., and their children.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Coffer-Rinehart.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family requested a fund be set up at First National Bank Alaska under "Dad's Fund," account 70635743.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Coffer
Sponsored by anonymous.
M Bousquet
January 26, 2021
My parents, Ray and Maryanne, loved Mike and his family. He is still missed. I am sure they are together watching over those they love. RIP Mike.
August 24, 2016
I love you, dad
Therese Weyland
February 23, 2011
I never knew Michael Coffer, except through his son. When you raise a caring and giving adult, you have to be one yourself. God bless the family Michael left behind
Mike Coffer
February 22, 2011
To all of those who knew my father, I would just like to say thanks for all the help and support. Dad was a stubborn man, as many people knew, but he always held out a hand when someone needed it. Thank you for all the well wishes for mom in this time of hurt and anguish. I love you, dad... And miss you more than you could know.
E
Melissa (Coffer) Gillespie
February 9, 2011
on behalf of all of us, i would like to thank you guys very much for your kind words. to those who werent able to make the services, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers just as well. Thank you guys very much for reaching out to our family and lending a helping hand. it's been rough, but there's never been anything the Coffer family cant get through. we miss you daddy.
February 6, 2011
When my mom and dad were not around mike and family helped my children and I (Mariska, Joshua, and Rhiannon). I remember the picknik in the back yard it was awsome. My thoughts go out to your family, he will be missed.
Deborah Jones
February 3, 2011
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Coffer as a Raven Team Leader at the Alaska Military Youth Academy. He was a great guy and hard worker! He will be missed here at AMYA. My condolescences for your loss, Deborah Jones, AMYA/STARBASE Instructor
T. Luke
February 2, 2011
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all friends and family. He brought a tremendous amount of joy to the lives of everyone around him. He will definately be missed
Jilene Galle
February 1, 2011
My deepest and sincerest condolences for you all. But know that Michael is in a happier place, and is watching over you, keeping you safe.
Lauren Nicholas
February 1, 2011
Dear Coffer Family,
I was so sad to hear this devastating news! Mike "Papa Bear" was such a wonderful and caring man. His light and love shine through all of his children and grandchildren, he is with the angels and Shelly now. Please know you are all in my thoughts.
Shelley Setchell
February 1, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My condolences to the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. You guys are a strong family, I have faith that once the hard times are past you'll pull through like families do.
Ray & Mary Gulyas
February 1, 2011
Sue and family,
When we were in Alaska it was fun to socialize with you. MaryAnna and I looked forward every year to the 4th of July cookout at your home. To see the interchange among family and friends is something that we will cherish for a long time.
Julie Murphy
February 1, 2011
Mama Sue, I love you I wish I could be there know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you all let me know if I can do anything
Jeanean and Chelsy Allen
February 1, 2011
Dear Coffer Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. There are no words to describe your heart ache. Wrap yourself up with loving memories and allow your selves to cry, be angry, and sad. You need to take care of each other and allow others to take care of you. With time, I hope that you can all find some peace. Mike was a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all that knew him.
With love, Jeanean and Chelsy Allen
Amanda Sizemore
February 1, 2011
Sue, my heart aches for the loss your family has suffered.Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought. If there is anything I can do for you during this difficult time please let me know.
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