Esther C Wunnicke

1922 - 2013

Longtime Alaska, leader and policy-maker Esther C. Wunnicke, 91, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in Anchorage.
Born Esther S. Crane in Kline, Colo., on March 15, 1922, Esther grew up in Aztec, N.M., and worked in the Office of Price Administration during World War II, before going on to achieve Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and political science, and a juris doctorate from George Washington University. While at GW, she also served as editor of the Law Review - the second woman to do so - graduating summa cum laude.
Esther returned to New Mexico in 1950, where she entered into private practice. She also taught, and obtained a Master's of education at Adam's State College in Alamosa, Colo., where she met her future husband, William C. "Bill" Wunnicke.
Esther and Bill married in 1959, had two children, and moved to Alaska in August 1963. The many ways in which the people of Anchorage, and across the state, came together to help one another after the 1964 earthquake convinced them both that they had found their home. Thus began Esther's long love affair with, and dedication to, the state of Alaska and her people.
Esther's long career of public service in Alaska began with her appointment as attorney-advisor to the Federal Field Committee, and later as assistant attorney general. She served in three positions (including federal co-chair) on the Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission, which was instrumental in publishing "Alaska Natives and the Land," and later passage of both ANCSA and ANILCA.
Esther went on to serve as head of the Outer Continental Shelf office of the Minerals Management Service. Finally, she served as state commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, where she was affectionately known as "the Land Lady of Alaska."
Although officially "retired," in 1986, Esther continued to serve her community in her work with the State Commission for Human Rights, the Oil Spill Commission, Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Research Center, Bean's Café and as chair and co-founder of Alaska Common Ground. She was a member in good standing of both the Alaska and New Mexico State Bar Associations.
Esther worked with and supported many organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the Democratic Party, the Soroptomists, and as co-founder of the Anchorage Chapter of St. Joan's Alliance.
Esther received many awards and recognitions, including the Order of the Coif, National Public Service and Meritorius Service Awards, Public Administrator of the Year, the Denali Award, two commendations from the state Legislature, and an honorary degree in public policy from the University of Alaska.
Esther saw public policy issues as an opportunity to reflect on our common interests and our common humanity. Her legacy of public service will live on through the generations of Alaskans who she mentored and inspired.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, in 1983. She leaves behind her son, Paul; daughter, Amy; daughter-in-love, Alisa Carroll; granddaughter, Marija; grand-dog, Angel; extended family in New Mexico and Wisconsin and many beloved friends.
In her spare time, Esther loved classical music, travel, writing letters, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Esther cultivated an attitude of gratitude and created warmth and welcome wherever she went. She had faith in people's ability to create their own solutions and counted herself a wealthy woman because she was so rich in friends.
A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, in the Dena'ina Center, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bean's Café, Common Ground or the organization of your choice.