Kenneth Neslund

Kenneth Arthur Neslund, beloved husband, loving father and grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, October 10, 2011. He lived at Primrose Retirement Community Wasilla, Alaska.

Ken was born October 23, 1942 in Oakland, California to Albin and Doris Neslund. He grew up in a family of craftsmen who loved the outdoors. He met his future wife, Linda Doris King, at a teen function at Avocado Lake, California in 1961. He served as a radioman in the Navy from 1961-1966. He was assigned to the USS Oakhill.

He married Linda in 1967. The adventurous duo packed their worldly possessions in a 1964 VW Bus and left the warmth of Selma, California to begin a life in the north. They arrived in Fairbanks in August 1969. Ken enrolled at UAF. He received his BS in Science and his teaching credential May 1972. Ken taught in Togiak and Valdez.

Ken was an innovative teacher, a highly skilled craftsman, and carpenter. His love of all things marine manifested itself throughout his curriculum in the Valdez Elementary School. His incredible gifts were shared with his children and students. The fifth and sixth graders built cedar strip canoes, paddles, skiffs, and kayaks. He developed a Marine Science Curriculum for his students that went beyond the classroom: The Coast Guard gave instruction for boat and water safety; the fire department taught and certified the students in first aid; the local ham operators set up a "ham shack" and students talked to ham operators all over the world. Hundreds of Alaskan school children learned to identify constellations in the night sky as they learned navigation skills. Ken had his students launch their boats in Prince William Sound in an annual activity lovingly called: "Paddle Pandemonium." Ken was nominated for "Who's Who of American Teachers" five times. Ken retired from teaching in 1997.

Ken and Linda traveled before settling lakeside in Sutton, Alaska.

Ken is survived by his wife Linda Doris Neslund; daughter and son-in-law Helen Ruth and Jeff Vincent, grandchildren Paige, Sarah, Nevin, Kenneth, and Jeffrey of Palmer, Alaska; his son David Albin and daughter-in-law Kristine Neslund and grandson Leif Neslund of Wasilla, Alaska; brother Douglas Neslund of Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother Robert Cornelius 'Neil' Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 22 at the Valley Church of Christ, 6901 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Wasilla, Alaska. Celebration will begin at 4:00 followed by a potluck until 7:00. Family and friends are encouraged to share humorous memories.

Kehl's Palmer Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to: Linda Neslund P.O. Box 771, Palmer, Alaska 99645.