Violet Loescher

Devoted mother and grandmother Violet May Loescher passed away at home March 6, 2022, surrounded by loving family. The daughter of Mansfield G. Osborn and Leora M. Hulshizer, Violet was born June 23, 1926, in Alliance, Nebraska. Violet met the love of her life, Orville (OK) Loescher, after swapping beaus while on a blind double-date with her twin sister Viola. Violet and OK eloped in 1942 after a brief but devoted courtship and were married in a civil ceremony March 17, 1943, in San Diego, California. Inspired by her husband, who was a pilot and worked in aviation, Violet learned to fly and soloed in a Cessna 140 in 1956. In 1969, the two flew their Cessna 180 to Anchorage, Alaska, where they settled to raise their family. Over the next few decades, they started and co-ran Tuktu Engineering, a cement and construction company in Anchorage. Violet and OK volunteered for many years with Alaska Civil Air Patrol, flying several search missions. They retired in Chugiak, Alaska, where they continued their lifelong love of hunting, fishing, and traveling in Alaska. Surviving Violet are her daughters Betty Rike and Beverly Waldrop (Don); sister Edna Grantham; brother Warren (Demp) Osborn; grandchildren Gary Orr, Ken Orr (Janet Asaro), Scott Orr, Theresa Blazka. Violet was preceded in death by her parents and husband, sister Viola Thorpe, brother Charles (Chuck) Osborn, and grandson Todd Orr. A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Community Christian Church, 11529 Celestial St., Eagle River, Alaska