Roy Eugene "Gene" Traxler

1932 - 2023

After a fantastic last day filled with his favorite meal and sharing stories, Roy Eugene Traxler, 91, passed peacefully in his sleep. Gene was born to Eileen and Glenn Traxler in Centerville, Iowa. At three months old, Gene and his parents moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and he made Alaska his home there for the rest of his life.
Gene spent his childhood in the Alaskan mountains, learning to mine for gold with his grandfather, Nels Jackson. Here he discovered his passion for mining, a passion so great he ran away from home as a child, rode the train to Ferry, and then hiked 28 miles into the mountains - all to rejoin his grandfather at the family mine. Gene continued mining as often as he could well into his 80s, always with the spring and loping gait of a young teenager. He returned to the family mine every summer until he was 89 years old.
In 1963, Gene married his childhood friend, Caroline Dick. Gene and Caroline raised three children: Kathy, Tom, and Kenny.
Gene picked up the sport of curling in the 1960s, and then later returned to the ice when he was in his sixties. He taught his beloved granddaughter, Ariel, how to curl and traveled to watch many of her tournaments throughout Alaska and Canada. He took great care in her upbringing, and added his own comedic flair with his bizarre snack combinations when packing her lunches (e.g. oreos mixed with doritos). His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. When they were little, he would play "over you go" in his easy chair, lifting them so far over his head that oftentimes the whole chair would tip over, to which everyone would chime in, "over you go!"
Gene is survived by his children, Kathy McDougall and Kenny (Penni) Traxler; his grandchildren, Rachael McDougall, Ariel Traxler, Kaden Traxler, and Paitin Traxler; his great-grandchildren, Alice Holder and Robin Holder; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews, and extended family who will miss his easy laugh and kind demeanor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Traxler; son, Tom Traxler; sister, Lenaya Hill; and brother, Ray Sandberg.
Toodaloo to a wonderful man.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 12 p.m. in the Pioneer Hall at Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, in Fairbanks, and a reception will follow at the Fairbanks Curling Club beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
In light of Gene's love for sports and the support he had for his grandchildren and their curling/sports, his family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Junior Curling Program at the Fairbanks Curling Club, or to a sports program of your choice.