Robert Irl Lewellen

"You have to be tough to live in the Arctic!"
These are words proclaimed and lived by Robert Irl Lewellen, fondly known as Bob, who passed away in Palmer, Alaska, on May 8, 2024.
Born on May 25, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Louis Isaac Lewellen and Harriett Eleanor Roads, Bob led a life filled with adventure, curiosity, and a good dose of humor.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Tena Lewellen; his adoring children, Christine (Greg) Arrington, Donald (Nancy) Wingate and Shawn (Christa) Wingate; his grandchildren, Carson, Jeron, Keller, and Jett; and his siblings, Richard (Connie) Lewellen and Laura Lewellen.
A proud Veteran, Bob served his country in the US Army from 1962 to 1967, a time that shaped his character and instilled a deep sense of duty and honor. After completing his doctorate in Earth Science from the University of Denver, he spent six decades exploring the Alaskan Arctic and Greenland as a leader in early subsea permafrost discoveries. Affectionately known as Dr. Bob or Iceman, he was widely recognized as the expert on sea ice and played a fundamental role in developing offshore oil exploration and drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
Bob loved flying his Piper PA-18 Super Cub and was known for encouraging young people to pursue aviation. An avid amateur radio operator who acquired a Federal Communications Commission Extra Class license, Bob enjoyed frequent check-ins with his friends in the ham radio community. His knack for storytelling was legendary, and his memory was a treasure trove of adventures and wisdom that he shared generously. Bob's inquisitive nature led him to create personally curated libraries for those seeking his wisdom, showcasing his diverse interests and deep knowledge. Despite his incredible intellect and achievements, Bob remained humble, always seeking new knowledge. He looked forward to pursuing medical and jurisprudence doctorates,
showing that the pursuit of learning has no age limit.
We will honor Bob's life on Tuesday, May 14 at Janssen's Mat-Su Funeral Home, 6901 E Blue Lupine Dr., Palmer, AK 99645. Visitation begins at 11:00 am, with services at 1:00 pm.
In honor of Bob's memory, we encourage donations to a Veteran organization of your choosing. While Bob may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on through the memories he created and the knowledge he shared. He is and will remain deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him