Michael Dale Albertson

Michael Dale Albertson

Mike was born December 15, 1951, the sixth of seven children to parents Fredrick Melvin and Elsie Agatha (Briant) Albertson; he was born and raised in Martinsville, Indiana.  Mike is a graduate of Martinsville High School, that same year enlisting in the Army, serving five years with a 13-month tour in Vietnam.

Mike is survived by his wife Cynthia (Oozevaseuk) Albertson and step-son Elliott Oozevaseuk, both of Fairbanks, and Cynthia’s son (Elliot’s half-brother) Jordan Johnson of Nome; five siblings, sisters Shirley Sink (Keith “Pinky,” deceased), and Linda Davee of Martinsville, Judy (D.) (Charlie) Carpenter of Greencastle, IN; brothers Fredrick Leroy (Kathy) Albertson of Gulf Breeze, FL; Kenneth “Butch” (Bonnie) Albertson of Martinsville, and Duane (Claudia) Albertson of Danville, IN; 15 nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father in 1988, mother in 2000 and his sister Judy in 2014.

Michael and Cynthia were married in Gambell in 2003.  Rodger Morrison was the best man and now part of Mike’s military honor team for the final farewell salute.

After serving, Mike returned home attending Indiana University, Bloomington and was employed with the Kroger Co.  In the summer of 1976, Mike traveled to Alaska, his home for the past 41 years.  Mike was employed by Foodland and attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  For a period of time he managed several remote village grocery stores including one in Anaktuvik Pass.

Mike has been a member of the Alaska Army National Guard since the late 1970s.  He was employed many years as a recruiter and retention NCO in Northwest Alaska in both Nome and Fairbanks.  He was one of the last recruiters prior to the armory closing in Gambell.  He recruited in many places including Upper Yukon, Barrow and Kotzebue.  Mike was a member of the National Guard Sharpshooters traveling a number of times to Arkansas and other states and competitions.

Mike maintained many friends throughout Alaska and the National Guard.  Amongst his Fairbanks Guard buddies a special recognition is in order to Russ Wood and wife Barb “BJ” (Mike recruited BJ), Jordan and Yvonne Niemuth family, and Mike’s longtime friend Cliff Napier for their generosity, hospitality, resourcefulness and tireless work to make this Celebration of Life journey possible.

A viewing and Celebration of Life took place at Fairbanks NGA, on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 with Rev. Jordan Niemuth officiating.  Appreciation extended to chapel of Fairbanks for their gracious assistance.  Mike was pursuing an encore career in Native Council Management at University of Alaska.

The community friendship and spirit of helping has continued here in Gambell with immense support from family and friends.  Mike is best known in Gambell and throughout Alaska for his kindness and generosity.  He is also remembered as being a humble man and respectful to all he met.  Special thanks to the IRA Native Village of Gambell and Mike’s longtime acquaintance Kevin Ahl who piloted the Bering Air plane, allowing Mike, Cynthia, and Duane for a close look over Sivuqaq Mountain and the cemetery.  All those that shared food and the casket and cross makers, Mr. Rob Taylor allowing us to use the school gym, and all those we forgot to mention.  God bless you all!

Most importantly, we thank our brother and friend Mike for being here in spirit, guiding us every step along this journey and celebration of life. Esghghlleqamken tagtalmi (We will see you one day).

The Nome Nugget

PO Box 610
Nome, Alaska 99762
USA

Phone: (907) 443-5235
Fax: (907) 443-5112

www.nomenugget.net

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