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Gloria Protzman Obituary
Private family services will be held. Her ashes will be scattered in the Prince William Sound and Hawaii at a later date.
Dodi was born July 27, 1931 to Gordon Traverse and Gladys Eleanor (Espeseth) Black in Dallas, Wisconsin. Her family came to Seward, Alaska on May 7, 1947 on the steamship S.S. Aleutian. That summer she met the "love of her life," Gerald Angeles Protzman. It was a whirlwind courtship and they were married on October 3, 1947. January 1948 they moved to Whittier for Gerald's job and Dodi worked in the Alaska Railroad mess hall until going back to Seward to have their son, Gerald in 1949. They moved to Anchorage in 1951 and had their daughter, Vicki. In 1953 they moved to Naptown to homestead, which was later called Sterling. They then moved to Seward in 1957 where they had their son James. The family then moved to Whittier in 1964 following the earthquake and worked for the Alaska Railroad in the mess hall feeding and housing the longshoremen. She opened the Country Store in Whittier until retirement in 2007 when they moved back to Anchorage to be close to their children, grandchildren and medical care. Dodi spent the last twenty years going to Hawaii for a few months in the winter where they had a condo. She loved cooking and having fun with all of her family. Dodi shared many exciting adventures with her husband and their three children while residing in Whittier, Seward, Sterling, Anchorage, and Hawaii. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Dodi is survived by her brother, James Black of FL; husband, of 66 years, Gerald Angeles Protzman of Anchorage, AK; dog, Fufu; son, Gerald "Pee Wee" Protzman and his wife MaryBell of Anchorage, AK; daughter, Vicki Hartman and her husband, Steve of Anchorage, AK; son, James "Jimmy" Protzman of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Michael Stephens, Bryan Protzman, Jonnie Bernier, Matthew Protzman, Sheila Mann, Casey Protzman and Ashlee Protzman; along with 18 great grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Protzman
Pamela Bystedt
August 17, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the Protzman family. Sincerely, Ken & Pam Bystedt
Eric Brown
July 29, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Becky Cotner
July 23, 2013
We always loved listening to Dodi's stories. She always took the time to listen to your story too.
Our love to the entire Protzman family.
Charlie and Becky
July 22, 2013
Dear Protzman Family, we loved Tutu, she was always a bright light in our visits. And we always ended up laughing hysterically over something she would say. Tutu is a wonderful example as a loving wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She'll be missed. Much love from The Muir's
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Suzan Phalp
July 22, 2013
Condolences and love to the Protzman family. Always, Cort and Suzan Phalp
Peggy Dvorak
July 22, 2013
There is not enough room here to write the feeling that come to me when I think of Dodi. I can hear her laugh She has a front row seat in Heaven for sure. Her family was so blessed to have her and friends were lucky to have had bits and pieces of her time. She was a class act and will be remember forever. What a beautiful lady inside and out
Jerry Vandergriff
July 22, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Dodi's passing. I enjoyed talking with her at the little store in Whittier, AK. My heart goes out to Jerry and the family.
Brenda Black
July 22, 2013
Another angel has gone to Heaven. Our memories live with us, the laughter, the fun and the love she gave to everyone will be forever. Always in our hearts..
Rosa Wright
July 22, 2013
When I think of Aunt Dode, I smile. As children, when we visited the Protzmans in Whittier, I have many treasured memories. She taught me how to make pancakes. "Watch the bubbles on top" To this day whenever I make pancakes I think of her. She had some colorful language. We would sit in awe listening to her as children. I will miss her. She is probably up there with Mom catching up and that makes me happy. Love you Aunt Dode. RIP
Lolly
July 22, 2013
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the snow on the mountain's rim,
I am the laughter in children's eyes,
I am the sand at the water's edge,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the star that shines at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Monte Gallacher
July 22, 2013
I was one of the very fortunate to know Gloria, "Dodi." Met her and her family in Sept., 1970. She was well liked by all that knew her. She will be missed by more than just her family. Will meet again Dodi.
Patrick Lowe
July 22, 2013
Dode was the first pretty lady (other then Mom) that I ever saw at 3 years old.
I also remember her for speaking with a voice that would reach out and grab your attention. She was always kind to me and I will miss her.
Kim Kowalski
July 22, 2013
I will miss my Aunt Dode and the part she has always played in my life. Sending love, condolences, and hugs to the Protzman clan during this difficult time. God bless you.
Robert Dyal
July 22, 2013
With love and prayers to the Protzman's,
-the Arctic Insulation Family
Jack and Brenda Coffman
July 22, 2013
May time heal your hearts and memories of Dodi soothe your soul. With condolences and love.
Susan Aslin
July 21, 2013
Dodi was a joy to know during my time in Whittier as a teacher from 1980-81. She always found something positive and funny in almost every situation.
So glad to have known her even if it was for only a short time.
Blessings to all her family.
Susan Aslin formerly Richardson. ?
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