Paul F. Schanzenbach

Oct. 4, 1949-Dec. 25, 2016

Paul Frederick Schanzenbach, 67, of Eagle River, Alaska, died Dec. 25, 2016, in Anchor Point, Alaska, of heart failure. “He peacefully passed away,” his family said.

Paul was born on Oct. 4, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Adolph Paul Kelly and Marcia Schanzenbach. He attended boarding school for eight years and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1967. He attended the University of Montana, earning a bachelor of science in plant science and forestry in 1971. Paul also received a masters of business administration in finance and international business in 1974 at the University of Puget Sound.

On July 15, 1972, Paul married Karen Hayes (Schanzenbach) in Missoula, Mont. Paul had a variety of work opportunities in contract management from 1974-2016, working with the following companies: Boeing, Sundstrand Data, ELDEC Corporation, Ecology & Environment Inc., Automated Information Management, Chugach Alaska Corporation and Bering Straits Native Corporation. Paul loved to tinker with his chainsaws and prided himself on having every tool imaginable. He loved the outdoors, especially being in the woods. Paul spent his time helping friends with cutting trees, building decks, fences and other odd jobs.

Politically, Paul was a stanch Constitutional Conservative. Paul recently joined the Orthodox Church in Eagle River. His presence, support and direct help to the members will be remembered. Paul was a very charitable individual. Firstly, he would always provide for his family. Locally, he would donate his time at Beans Café and the Brother Francis Shelter. He also preached regularly at the Anchorage Rescue Mission.

Paul is survived by wife, Karen Schanzenbach of Redmond, Wash.; daughter, Kelly Harper (Schanzenbach) and son-in-law Trevor Harper of Parker, Colo.; brother, Father John Henry (Peter Schanzenbach) of Cleveland, Ohio; stepbrother, Fred Green and wife Susan Green of Locust, N.C.; and many friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at St. John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River on. Visitation started at 10 a.m. with funeral services and burial at 11 a.m., followed by a Mercy Meal in the Cathedral basement. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anchorage Rescue Mission in Paul’s memory.

One of Paul’s favorite sayings was, “Fly low and go slow and we’ll all come home together.” He is now home with the Lord.