Michael Mutschler

1951 - 2015

Long time Alaska Pioneer Michael "Mike" William Mutschler, 64, passed away unexpectedly after an ATV accident on Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Mike was born on April 26, 1951, in Seattle, Wash. Mike traveled to Alaska, in 1952, with his mom on the steamship SS Denali. Mike lived in Washington, Valdez, Delta, Salcha, Anchorage and finally called North Pole, Alaska, home. Mike never met a stranger that didn't become a friend, he wore many hats, a "Jack of all trades and Master of none," he loved gardening and farming which earned him the nick name "Farmer Mike." He was known as "Painter Mike" after becoming a journeyman with the Painter's Union, Local 1140. He was a mechanic for Gold Dust Racing in the '70s and '80s. Years with the Salcha Fairgrounds gave him the title "Salcha Fair Extraordinaire." He worked as MC, security, organizer and grounds keeper. Mike's passion drew national attention to his yearly Moose calling contests. He was thrilled when it appeared in Alaska magazine. His love of the land and his subsistence lifestyle took him all over Alaska. Spending time with old friends and making new ones wherever he was. He loved local music and spending time with his very extended family, as well as friends from all walks of life. Mike's most precious things in life were his daughter, Amanda; sons, Matthew and Logan; and his beloved granddaughter, Kallie. He always helped out anyone in need. His favorite quote by Willie Nelson was, "Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses." Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Gay Olmstead; his brothers, Jerry and Mickey Olmstead; grandparents, Gifford and Kathryn Tackett; and grandparents, Loren and Juin Jurgens. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Cockrell and her fiance, Steve Offenborn of North Pole, Alaska; son, Matthew Cockrell of North Pole; granddaughter, Kallie Davis of North Pole; son, Logan Davis of Two Rivers, Alaska; sisters, Rondi Aldridge and Kelly Olmstead both of Palmer, Alaska, and Jodi Olmstead, Heidi Sprague and Kim Davis all of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers, Larry Olmstead of Alaska/Mexico and Tracy Olmstead of North Pole; and 67 nieces and nephews from all over the country, that are missing their "uncle Mike"; also included is Mike's huge assortment of friends everywhere. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the Salcha Fairgrounds, on the corner of Grieme Road and the Richardson Hwy., in Salcha, Alaska. Please visit Mike's obituary and online guestbook at www.AlaskanFuneral.com.