Kaare Per Elde

Kaare (Kåre) Per Elde passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 17, 1940, in Nordfjordeid, Norway, he was the son of Karl Johan Elde and Elfrid Drageset-Elde.

Kaare spent his early childhood in the tiny seaside farming and fishing village of Elde, His first five years were shaped by the hardship of living under Nazi occupation during World War II. The experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for resourcefulness and resilience-values that carried him through life.

By the age of 11, Kaare began working on small fishing boats, and by 15, he joined the crew of a cargo ship that took him across the globe-visiting countries such as India, Africa, Cuba, and the United States. After two years at sea, he returned home to help his family rebuild their home on a new site following the war.

At 18, Kaare immigrated to the United States, settling in South Dakota with his maternal aunt and uncle. Sponsored by his uncle, he joined the painters' union, where he met Jerry and Guy Morris, who introduced him to their sister, Orvetta Rae. Kaare and Rae fell in love quickly and began their life together in Rapid City, South Dakota, where their two sons, Karl and Gary, were born.

Following the 1964 Alaska earthquake, Kaare answered the call for union workers to assist with rebuilding efforts. Alongside a seasoned coworker, he made the journey north. Soon after, Rae joined him in Alaska, marking the beginning of their lifelong adventure in the Last Frontier. Kaare embraced Alaska as his adopted homeland and never looked back.

Longing to return to the sea, Kaare discovered the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system during a fishing trip on the Kenai Peninsula. He worked diligently to have his Norwegian maritime credentials recognized in the U.S. and pursued the hours needed to earn his marine pilot's license. During this time, his daughter Kari was born in Alaska, and his youngest daughter DeAnn was born in Seattle while he was working for the Washington State Ferry System. Eventually, the family settled back in Alaska, where Kaare began his long and distinguished career with the Southwestern Alaska Pilots Association (SWAPA).

A true outdoorsman, Kaare enjoyed sport and commercial halibut fishing, dog mushing, and playing the accordion. He treasured Alaska's wild bounty, especially his secret cranberry picking spots, which he guarded with pride.

He was a proud member of the Pioneers of Alaska and the Sons of Norway, reflecting his deep roots in both his Norwegian heritage and his adopted Alaskan home.

Kaare is survived by his beloved wife of over six decades, Orvetta Rae Elde; his children: Karl (Julie) Elde, Gary (Anna) Elde, Kari (Dwayne) Atwood, and DeAnn Corbin; grandchildren: Branden, Blake, Madelyn, Mitchell, Courtney, and Audra; and six great-grandchildren, with two more on the way and many beloved relatives in Norway.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Oddney Elde and Liv Mikkelsen; his son-in-law, Michael Corbin; and grandson, Preston Atwood.

Kaare's legacy is one of hard work, adventure, love of family, and an unshakable bond with the land and sea. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Seward, Alaska, on August 9, 2025 at 1pm with refreshments to follow the service. Family burial service at the Seward Pioneers plot will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in his name to Resurrection Lutheran Church Boiler Fund.

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Resurrection Lutheran Church

P.O. 35

Seward, AK 99664

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Rlcseward@gmail.com