Gary Saloka

1943 - 2016

Gary Lee Saloka, 73, of Palmer, Alaska passed away November 20, 2016 at mile 37.5 of the Glenn Highway. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11:00am at Faith Christian Community, 4240 Wisconsin Street in Anchorage, Alaska with a reception following. Pastor Graydon Jessup will be officiating.

Gary was born April 1, 1943 to Albert and Marcella Saloka in Hinckley, Minnesota. He spent his early days working on the family farm, which made him a strong man with an exceptional work ethic. He graduated from Hinckley High School in 1961 and went on to the Dunwoody Institute where he learned his lifelong trade, painting and taping. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandi, in 1962, and they had four children together. In the summer of 1967, he moved his family to Alaska, fulfilling a childhood dream he shared with his best friend, Jim Hickle, who was already in Anchorage. After working for several contractors in Anchorage and Delta Junction, he opened Klondike Painting and Decorating in Anchorage, Alaska, a well-known and highly respected business from 1973-1997. Gary was a true Alaskan who loved hunting, fishing, gold-mining, four wheeling, motorcycling, and spending time at the family cabin in Ninilchik. Above all things, he loved his family very much, especially his eleven grandchildren. His life revolved around being present at all celebrations and their many sporting events. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his funny giggle, being a wonderful host to visitors, being a believable Santa Claus, and being able to pull a fish out of a bucket!

Gary was preceded in death by his mother and father Albert and Marcella. He is survived by children (and spouses) Bill Saloka (Heather) of Chilliwack, BC, Canada, Kim Smith (Jim), Todd Saloka (Kelly), and Shane Saloka (Marcela), all of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers Dave Saloka of Minnesota, Lenny and Kevin Saloka of Anchorage, and sisters Sharyn Berndt and Juli Summer of Minnesota; his 12-year life-mate, Annette Hagen; grandchildren Cameron, Kylie, Daniel, Marcella, Kailyn, Eric, Jacob, Na'ima, Korbin, and Kruz; and one great-grandson, Josiah; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.