Alice Kurka

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Alice Lorraine Kurka composed her own obituary many years ago. She had a clever wit, and her family had a good laugh when first reading what she had written for herself, and wanted to share part of her "selfie" obit as follows:

"Alice Lorraine (Troeh) Kurka graduated to Glory on (______) at (choose one) A. the roller rink, B. while snorkeling in Hawaii, C. in her sleep, D. hiking Flattop, E. while wide awake playing Solitaire at the computer, F. from laughing too hard while eating out with good friends: Don and Mary Schulze, G. other: (_________). Alice loved her Heavenly Father so much, she wanted to be in Heaven with Him, and He finally said: OK, come on up!"

Alice, nearly age 87, passed away on Memorial Day, May 26th, 2014 from complications of a stroke, at Alaska Regional Hospital while surrounded by family singing her to Glory.

Alice Troeh was born in Wahpeton, N.D. on June 28th, 1927 to Gertrude and Lester W. Troeh, and was raised in Breckenridge, Minnesota, where she became Home Coming Queen her senior year at Breckenridge High School. Alice later married her hometown sweetheart, Ralph J. Kurka, in Minneapolis, MN, in 1946, shortly after he returned home from WWII. Together they raised 5 children: James, Daniel, Kathleen, Daun and Kevin; while moving 17 times in 17 years due to Ralph being recalled into the military after he graduated from college.

Ralph's military tours took their young family to various places, some of which were: Germany, France, Italy, Minnesota, Colorado, Massachusetts, Texas, and finally to Alaska where Ralph eventually retired.

Mrs. Kurka was very active in church, in the PTA, and as a Den Mother in both the Boys and Girl Scouts. She also found joy in working with the Anchorage Christian Women's Club and Women's AGLOW Fellowship.

Alice was honored by the Lord Jesus to be the first lady to introduce Aglow to Alaska; and with the help of her two closest friends, the three women were instrumental in starting many AGLOW Chapters throughout South Central Alaska. Because of this, Alice was affectionately known as "Mother Aglow".

After they moved to Anchorage in 1963, for many years Alice volunteered in TOSS (Treasures of Sight and Sound) a Cultural Arts organization for children founded by renowned Alaskan Philanthropist, Betti Cuddy. Alice helped with the TOSS Singers; and later worked in the Puppet department traveling all over the State of Alaska with them.

Alice enjoyed traveling, working in her flower garden, reading, sewing, and cooking for large gatherings at their lovely Hillside home. Alice especially enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her pets as well. One of her favorite endeavors was hosting visiting Ministers in the Kurka home.

Along with her brother, Lester Troeh, and many nieces and nephews, Alice is survived by her beloved husband, Ralph of 67 years; their children and spouses: James and Diana Kurka, Dan and Lonniet Kurka, Kathleen (Kurka) Eustace, Kevin Kurka, Stephen and DaunMichelle (Kurka) Gregg, and Lori Kurka. In addition, Ralph and Alice have 17 grandchildren, two great grandsons, and another great grandson on the way. Also surviving are Alice's foster daughter and husband, Bernice and Randy Braun and their children. Alice was preceded in death by many family and friends, most notably, her son-in-law, David Eustace.

A Celebration of Life service being held in her honor is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m., on June 5th, 2014, with Reception immediately following the service (Viewing at 4:00 p.m.). All three events are being held at Muldoon Community Assembly of God, 7041 DeBarr Road, Anchorage, AK 99504 - (907) 337-9495

Alice's Interment service is planned for Friday, June 6th, 10:30 a.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. If you'd like to attend, please meet at the Arctic Valley Gate to follow the Hearse onto Fort Richardson by 10:00 a.m.

Condolences for the Kurka Family may be sent to them c/o: EVERGREEN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 737 E St. Anch. AK 99501

Alice asked that any Memorial Contributions made in her honor be donated to the Alaska Correctional Ministries, PO Box 210188, Anchorage, AK 99521-0188.