Stephen Syren

Palmer resident Stephen Dale Syren died in his sleep at his home on February 28, 2014. A Funeral Mass will be offered by his brother, Fr. Kermit Syren, L.C., at Holy Family Cathedral on March 8, 2014 at 2 p.m., preceded by the rosary at 1:30 p.m. Reception will follow immediately in the church basement. Stephen was born on June 13, 1955 in Anchorage, the third of 8 children of Lester and Anita Syren. He was in the first class of seniors to graduate from Service High in 1973. He worked as a surveyor during construction of the Alaska Pipeline. He and his brother Kermit began a successful water well drilling business. Eventually, Stephen became a journeyman welder and worked in the oil industry. He often mentored other welders in training. During summers, he operated a campground on his property at the end of the road in McCarthy. He was an accomplished snowmachiner. His family writes that he was well known for his sense of humor, storytelling and generous heart. The loves of his life were his children. He was a wonderful father, and gave them his utmost support whenever they needed it.

He is survived by his daughter, Carly and son, Jon Paul, step-daughters Jenny Cramer and Jesse Ulofoshio; sisters, Karyn Wise and her husband Mike, Therese Syren and Wyn Froelich and her husband Greg; brothers, Fr. Kermit Syren, L.C and Les Syren and his wife Nicole; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jon Syren and sister, Sr. Gail Marie of St. Joseph. Funeral arrangements are through The Cremation Society of Alaska. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations for the children be made to The Stephen D. Syren Memorial Account, Wells Fargo 2054117516.