Richard "Dick" Louis Harren

Richard Louis “Dick” Harren, 71, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by family. Born July 23, 1954, in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, to Joseph and Jeanne Harren, Richard was the second of ten children. After graduating from Saint John’s University in 1976, he moved to Alaska. He eventually settled in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to raise his family and build a career spanning four decades. 

Richard was both a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney (UND Law ‘82). He started a law firm in Wasilla where he practiced with integrity and tenacity. As a colleague noted, “He was the kind of guy who liked helping people who needed help,” and he never shied away from hard cases. Committed to his community, he served as board president for the United Way of Mat-Su in 1995 and was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club and Ducks Unlimited.

Hockey and the outdoors remained lifelong passions. He was an avid moose hunter and angler; he founded the Wasilla Outdoor Youth Hockey Association, coached youth hockey for twenty years, and hosted the annual Salmon Cup tournament.

Richard’s greatest pride was his family. He shared 33 years of marriage with Suzanne “Suzy” Chapelle, building a life rooted in love and adventure. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill. Richard is survived by his wife, Suzy; daughters Cynthia Koons and Rebecca (Nick) Maslar; sons Wendell (Katie), William, and Russell Harren; grandchildren Adalynn, Quincy, and Emerson; siblings John, Jeanette, Jaci, Sue, Mark, Sheila, Pete, and Paulette; and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Richard will be remembered for his creativity, generous heart, and enduring belief in the goodness of people. His legacy lives on in the family and community he loved. Richard’s funeral is at Sacred Heart Parish in Wasilla at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. The service is open to the public.