Richard Vander Martin

Richard E Vander Martin, passed away on December 13, 2022, in Wasilla, Alaska; surrounded by loved ones, who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Richard was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on September 9, 1943. He grew up mostly in an around the small town of Beacon, Iowa. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1962. Shortly after graduating he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Alaska. He served in the Air Force for four years. Afterwards he continued working on Elmendorf Air Force Base, in Anchorage, Alaska, as a civil servant for 30 years. After retirement in 1995, he and his wife Diane moved to a farm in Arkansas where they lived for 15 years, before returning back to Alaska in 2015. Richard loved life and spending time with family and friends. He was quick witted, had a great sense of humor, and was full of mischief. He loved to make people laugh and have fun. He loved fishing, woodworking, and taking care of his animals on the farm. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Arlene Vander Martin; and two brothers, Lee and Orah. Richard is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughter, Susan; sons, Richard Jr. and Brandon; and brother, Wes. He had eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.