Loren R. Maack

Loren R. Maack age 69 of Anchorage, Alaska passed away January 19, 2014 in Reno, Nevada after a brief illness with family at his side.
Loren was born in Denison, Iowa June 21, 1944, the son of Herman and Margaret (Green) Maack. He grew up on a farm in rural Denison, was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak, Iowa, attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School with the class of 1962. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served until 1966.
Loren moved to Alaska in 1967 and was united in marriage to Christine Whitehead in 1977 and they made their home in Anchorage until his death.
Loren thrived on adventure, challenge and was noted for his ability to improvise and customize gear and equipment to fit his many jobs. He had several careers over the years like flying bush aircraft for Munz Northern Aviation, Cardova Air and Fort Yukon Air Service among a few, worked as an iron worker, laborer and welder. He was a certified explosives handler and an unexploded ordnance technician. While studying explosives in Florida he assisted a NASA engineer in designing an explosive ejection system for space shuttles. He also enjoyed gunsmithing, hunting and polka dancing.
Loren is survived by his wife, Chris of Anchorage; three brothers: Ronald (Joann) Maack, Larry (Leila) Maack of Charter Oak and Gailyn of Florida; nephews: Russell Maack, Royce Maack; nieces: Rhonda Nemits, Debra Wilcke, Kristi Wessel, Kelli Houston, K’Lynn Harm and Billie McCartney and their families, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allyn and great-nephew Lance.
Loren’s stories of his past experiences and future plans kept family, friends and strangers wanting to hear more. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.