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Gordon Zerbetz Obituary
A memorial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick's Parish. Refreshments will follow.
Gordon Zerbetz was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Ketchikan. He served in the Aleutian Action U.S. Army Signal Corps from May 1944 to March 1946. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 36 years and was honorably discharged on Dec. 2, 1985.
During Alaska's territorial days, he was appointed by then-Gov. Bill Egan as a commissioner of the Alaska Public Utilities Commission. When Alaska became a state a few years later, he was then appointed chairman of the Alaska Public Utilities Commission and worked in that capacity for 19 years. He was general manager at ATU in the '70s. He was assistant to the Alascom vice president for three years, then became a trustee for the U.S. bankruptcy court until his retirement in 1997.
Gordon served on the "Alaskan of the Year" board. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Victory Medal and Marksman Medal, among others.
His family said: "Gordon gave his entire adult life in service of our great state. He was loyal, honest, true and fair to his duties, country, family and his God. His generosity to all was felt by many. We will forever give thanks to God for the privilege of having him in our lives. We will honor his memory and will every day miss his love, humor, smile and guidance."
He is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine; son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Harriett Zerbetz; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Randy Scott; daughter, Evon Zerbetz; stepchildren and their spouses, Debbie and Mike McCabe, Tami and Mike Vania, Gayle and John Niehaus, and Matthew and Adrienne Sigler; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and best friends, Walt Gilmour, Bob Mattle, Dick Edwards and Bob Edson.
Donations may be sent to Catholic Social Services, 225 Cordova St., Anchorage 99501; or American Heart Asscociation, 235 E. Eighth Ave., Anchorage 99501.
Arrangements were by Witzleben Family Funeral Homes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Zerbetz
4 Entries
Charlene Rector
February 12, 2025
I was born in Ketchikan in 1952 and one of my sweetest memories was going to the butcher shop with my mom and sisters and getting a FREE piece of bologna or a hot dog.. cold.. and it was delicious. Though young, I felt the kindness of Gordon Zerbetz and it has stuck me with all these years! We moved to Anchorage in 1964.. To think he lived here too. I am so sorry for your loss...He was a wonderful, kind man and I will always remember him. Charlene Rector
Matthew, Adrienne & Nicolas Sigler
February 21, 2007
Dearest Gerry, we send our condolences and lots of love to you during this time. Our prayers are with you.
Charlene Rector
February 18, 2007
I was born in Ketchikan in 1952. One of my fondest memories is shopping at a butcher shop where Gordon would give my sisters and I either a free hotdog or a piece of bologna. I remember his kindness and his generosity even though I never knew him personally. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my own father, Charles Rector over a year ago. What a great generation of men and women and what sadness to be losing them. My prayers are with you.
Philip Smith
February 18, 2007
My condolences to the family. I was a big fan of Gordon's in the 1970s, when he was head of APUC. Later, I was on the board of the Alaska Energy Center and advocated Gordon's candidacy for our Executive Director. The Center did not last long (nefarious politics!), but I was inspired by Gordon's calm and capable leadership. I was sorry to hear of his passing.
All the best,
Phil Smith
Juneau
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