DeLories M. von Gemmingen

1935 - 2016

DeLories Mildred (Coberly) von Gemmingen passed away on June 30, 2016, from a heart condition while vacationing in Germany, with her children by her side. A memorial service will be held on July 17, 2016, with a reception to follow. Dee was born on Nov. 21, 1935, to Gerald and Pauline (Duling) Coberly - a later in life surprise for her parents and siblings, who were all at least 10 years older. She had a unique position in the family, and was spoiled because of it. She played chaperone for her older sisters and thus enjoying many fine meals and adventures, which continued even after her sisters married. She was also a lifelong gun safety advocate because of the accidental shooting death of her teenage brother. Dee graduated from West Port High School in Kansas City. Shortly after graduation, Dee started working for Carnation Milk Corporation, where she met a handsome man named Harold (Von) von Gemmingen. After three dates, they became engaged and on Sept. 23, 1955, she married him in Kansas City, Kan. People who say love at first sight can't happen don't know the story of these two, who stayed married until he passed away in 1994. Dee and Von decided to settle in Alaska, so with their four children, one sick dog and a boat in tow, they drove the Alaska Highway during the winter of 1967, settling in Anchorage. In the '60s, this was such a brave thing for a young mother to do: to follow her husband to the great unknown. The family were welcomed by Vons brother, Sandy, and his wife, Oakley, who were already living in Anchorage. True Alaska pioneers, Von and Dee opened up a pool hall, the Crown Cue, which became a local hotspot. Although in the beginning money was sometimes tight, that never hampered the fun Dee created in the home. Instead of buying Halloween costumes, she made each child an individualized costume. Instead of buying jelly at the store, the family went berry picking and made jelly. She was quick with a smile despite hardships. After the kids entered school, Dee went back to work, first at Nissho Iwai and then Consulate of Japan as an Executive Secretary. In the '80s, Dee started working for the Alaska Commercial Fisheries and Agricultural Bank (CFAB) where she was the Executive Secretary to the President. At CFAB she made many close friends who remained so for years after her retirement. After retirement, Dee became an even more active member of the McKinley Lions Club; Lioness Dee enjoyed pucking around - selling the split the pot pucks - at the Aces games. Dee also was a regular fixture on the Craft Fair circuit. She made and sold Katnip Katnappers and had many of the same customers over the years. She took great pleasure in hearing about each customers special cat antics: Dee loved all animals, but she especially loved cats and would often donated her Katnappers to local shelters. Her two cats will miss their companion as they spent many hours together, working on katnappers and chatting in only the way a true cat lover can. Dee was a woman who enjoyed spending time with her children, her favorite son-in-law, and her very lovely daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Each one could give you a series of favorite moments with Mom or Grandma Dee, because she treated each person differently, giving them what they needed at that moment. She gave her whole being to her family; she loved them far more than we could comprehend until after she was gone. She treated us as her best friends and we will miss her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Harold Von von Gemmingen; her parents, Gerald and Pauline Coberly; sisters, Geraldine Matysiak and Dorothy Wood; and her brother, Harry Coberly. She is survived by her sons, Brett (Jennifer) and Christoff (Beth); and her daughters, Paula and Heidi (Steve) Frost. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kevin Ryan von Gemmingen, James and Christopher Frost, Chelsea Brandt, Brooklyn von Gemmingen and Kameron, Kolten, and Sienna Janes and Lindie DeVolld; as well as her pets, Buddy the dog and kitties, Princess and Stashi. Her Memorial will be held at The Summit Room at Sheraton Anchorage, 401 East 6th Avenue in Anchorage, on Sunday, July 17, 2016, starting at 2 p.m.