In Memory

Rick Singsaas, 60

Rick Singsaas, 60, Whittier resident and 35-year trainman for the Alaska Railroad, died of an apparent stroke while on the job in the Whittier Rail Yard on March 13, a warm, sunny flat calm Whittier spring day. Known to many boat owners and local residents for his years of service as a sometimes-charming, sometimes-stressed and surly conductor with a fresh carnation in his lapel in summers, Rick befriended many and helped many others in need.

Born June 27, 1949 in Mountain Lake Minnesota, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Viet Nam and earned a Purple Heart. After working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad after, which ran through his hometown, Rick's brother Mike, a physician in Anchorage, lured him to Alaska with a photo of the scenic backdrop of the Whittier Rail Yard. Known for his quick wit and keen intelligence, both on and off the job, Rick has mentored many novice railroaders and served as a faithful father to his two children, Athena, 30, of Anchorage, and Tristan, 24, of Washington State. Another love of his life included sailing Prince William Sound in his boat, the Phoebe Snow, named after a rail passenger in the days of coal fired engines who was a regular passenger, dressed in white and never showed signs of coal dust; Phoebe captivated the train's crew with her graces.

Services at Ft. Richardson were attended by over 200 friends and family March 19. A “show and tell” eulogy was delivered by long-time friend and retired conductor “Ski”; the Marine prayer and nautical poems were recited by other long-time friends. A U.S. Marine Corps salute followed at the burial site.

A March 27 potluck and celebration of life took place at The Whittier Community School. Rick will always be remembered zipping around on “warm” March days in his convertibles with the tops down and for his request from friends “on the other side of the tunnel” for fresh sourdough bread from The Bakeshop in Girdwood.

 

Leif L. Loberg, 65

Lifelong Alaskan, Mr. Leif L. Loberg, 65, died Saturday, March 20, 2010 after a lengthy lung and heart illness at his home in Bird Creek, Alaska.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2010 at Fort Richardson National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with full military honors. A celebration of Leif's life and memorial potluck will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Valley Bible Chalet, Mile 102 Seward Hwy. in Indian, Alaska. Pastor Wendel Terwilliger will officiate.

Mr. Loberg was born May 4, 1944 to Lauritz Konrad Moller and Lillian Pearl (Soper) Loberg at Matanuska Valley Hospital in Palmer, Alaska. In his early years he worked for the Valley Farmers. Mr. Loberg entered into the U.S. Army in 1965 serving our nation during Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in 1967. He then began working as a heavy equipment operator for the State of Alaska DOT in 1968 from which he retired in 1998. He spent many years helping to keep roads maintained and safe. Mr. Loberg had lived in Valdez, Turnagain Pass, Cold Bay and Indian where he had resided until his passing. His family came first and he enjoyed camping, boating and sketching pictures.

“Leif had a love of fast cars, riding motorcycles and had dreams of sailing around the world, but the most important thing in his life was his family. He shared 41 years of marriage with his wife Judy, raised two sons and was blessed with many grandchildren. We will miss him, his drawings and all of the tall tales he wove to keep us entertained,” wrote the family.

Mr. Loberg was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lillian Plumley; and brother Louie Loberg. He is survived by his wife, Judy Loberg of Bird Creek, AK; son, Kenneth Loberg and life partner, Karen “Stormie” Hunt of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Joseph Loberg of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and Hayden Choia of Anchorage, AK; son, Shawn Loberg and life partner Lori Hibbs of Bird Creek, AK; grandchildren, Gunner Ocskai of Chugiak, AK, Hailey Powers of Whittier, AK. America Loberg of Bird Creek, AK and Nicholas Loberg; sister, Louise Bidondo of Palmer, AK; former daughter in-law, Theresa Hughes of Everett, WA; grandchildren, Angelica, Megan and Michael all of Everett, WA; numerous nieces and nephews; mother in-law, Dorothy Laubenstein; sister in-law, Linda Lyon and her husband Rick; brothers in-law, Ron Laubenstein and his wife Karen, John Laubenstein and his wife Nicole, Don Laubenstein and his wife Lynn, Karl Laubenstein and his wife, Rae Ann; and sister in-law, Janet Laubenstein.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leif's memory to the Salvation Army or Red Cross.

Arrangements were by Anchorage Funeral Home.