Jeffrey Manthei

Palmer resident Jeffrey "Cheech" Lynn Manthei, 48, died peacefully in his sleep April 4, 2011, at home.

A graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the Palmer Moose Lodge. Pallbearers will be Leroy Jeffreys, Mike Jeffreys, Greg Campbell, Christopher Conatser, Joel Sigman and Chuck Waldron.

He was born July 2, 1962, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He came to Alaska in 1988. He worked for Veco as a truck driver on the North Slope.

Jeff enjoyed four-wheeling, barbecues, snowmachining and family gatherings.

His wife wrote: "Jeffrey Manthei is the love of my life. I will miss his funny comments, his great big heart. I surely will miss my Soul Mate forever, Love, Kim."

According to his family, "Jeff was one of a kind. He was a No. 1 husband, dad and papa. He was a kid at heart who had a heart of gold. Family and friends is what meant the most to him. Jeff loved spending time being a husband and most of all being surrounded by his grandchildren. We will miss him more than words can say, but most of all we were lucky to be a part of his life and he will remain in our hearts forever; we have all had a lot of great times together through thick and thin."

Jeff was preceded in death by his sister, Stephanie Manthei and his daughter, Desiree Inman.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kim Manthei; his dad, Tom Manthei of Texas; his mom and stepdad, Margaret and Dan Cook of California; brother, Brad Manthei of Idaho; four daughters, Jessica Manthei of California, Danielle Hupp and Lesa Inman and Christina Inman, both of Alaska; two grandsons, Caleb and Ethan Sherman, both of California; five granddaughters, Dakota Inman, Ellie Jefferys, Chelsea Chapman, Acasia Chapman and Desiree Chapman, all of Alaska; son-in-law, Leroy Jefferys of Alaska; niece, Quira Manthei of Las Vegas; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.