In Memory

Jerald (Jerry) Stansel (N/A) VIEW PROFILE

Jerald (Jerry) Stansel (N/A)

 

JERALD STANSEL     

 

1947 - 2022

 

Longtime Fairbanks resident, pilot, veteran, wilderness guide and guitar player, Jerald Durane Stansel (age 75) passed away in a aircraft accident at Chena Marina on Oct. 5, 2022.

Jerry was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 1947, to James Richard Stansel and Virginia Lynn Bennett. A bit later, James Stansel married Hazel White, who became Jerry's loving stepmother.

In 1961, the family, including Jerry, his three brothers and sister (last sister was later born in Georgia) drove to Alaska in a pick-up truck and trailer. Jerry attended Wendler Junior High School in Anchorage for seventh grade. The family left Alaska after one year, but Jerry dreamed of returning to Alaska.

At 16, Jerry left his family in Georgia and hitchhiked, along with his guitar, to Salt Lake City. Where he was taken in by one of his dad's former flying students Bill and Sheri Fogg and later resided with David Bunker, they attended four years of L.D.S seminary then went on to graduate Highland High School in Salt Lake in 1966.

In 1966, Jerry joined the Army and became a member of the 101st Airborne division, 3rd 506 LRRPs (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) "Curahees." Jerry served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and was a part of a six-man team that would stealthily scout deep into enemy territory. He was awarded many medals including the silver star and two bronze stars.

After his military term was up in 1969, Jerry achieved his dream of coming back to Alaska. He then married Elizabeth Griffin. Jerry and Liz formed a guitar/singing duet called Bitter Green and performed professionally for many years.

Jerry studied physical education and biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and later started Alaska Fish and Trails Unlimited, which conducted guided hiking tours in the Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska's Brooks Range. Jerry was a phenomenal Bush pilot with several thousand hours in the backcountry of Alaska's wilderness and had many airplanes, including Piper Super Cubs and Cessna 185s.

In 1981, Jerry and the family moved to Hawaii for a year, where they started a whale watching and reef exploring business on his 41-foot sailboat. He did this for several winters. At around this time, Jerry and Liz parted ways and were divorced. Jerry continued on in Fairbanks with his Alaska Fish and Trails business. The kids also helped their dad with the business and often lived in Bettles. During the off-season Jerry lived in Fairbanks with his six children, where he then won Mother Of The Year in 1987.

Jerry also played guitar in a bluegrass band called Arctic Winds.

Jerry continued to operate Alaska Fish and Trails from its base at Chena Marina until his untimely passing. He was preceded in death by his father, James Richard Stansel, and mother, Virginia Lynn Bennett.

He is survived by his stepmother, Hazel Stansel; brothers, Jimmy, Joe and Steve Stansel; and his two sisters, Jan Hess and Judy Haefele.

He is also survived by his six children, Jim (and wife Jeanette) Stansel, Lisa, Stacy, Jenny, Meadow and Vincent (and wife Valerie) Stansel. In addition, there are many wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (Apologies are given for not mentioning their names and other loved ones at this time. More will be said in a future online remembrance page at legacy.com.)

Jerry's fun-loving spirit and gregarious personality will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

The funeral for Jerald D. Stansel will be on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 403 Lazelle Road, across from Seekins Ford. Funeral service starts at noon. Burial, with full military honors, will be at 2:30 p.m. at Northern Lights Memorial Park, 2318 Yankovich Road.

 

 

 



 
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10/17/22 11:49 AM #1    

Marsha Draper (Fryer)

 

FROM DAVE BUNKER
 

 

Hello friends of Highland Class of 1966. As many of you know, our friend Jerry Stansel died in an accident while taxiing his float plane near his home in Fairbanks, Alaska on October 5, 2022. Some of you also know that Jerry lived with my family for most of our senior year at Highland. Jerry and I have been close friends and have stayed in frequent contact ever since then. I visited with him at his home in Fairbanks in 1985. I had the adventure of a lifetime exploring the beautiful wilderness of The Brooks Range with Jerry who was an expert bush pilot. He was well-known in Alaska and among clients who came from all over the world. Jerry has visited at my home several times. We talked frequently by phone, the last time about 10 days before his death. I know many of you were also his friends with whom he often communicated. He told me many times that the year he spent in Salt Lake City attending Highland was the happiest year of his life. I know he would want me to convey to all of you his love and appreciation for your friendship. I find it difficult to realize our conversations and visits are finished for now. I will remember him and am grateful that I had the chance to know him and be his friend. Here are a few pictures you may recognize. The last one was taken when he visited my home in 2019. 
Your friend also, David Bunker


12/31/22 01:48 PM #2    

LeGrand Richardson

I had been talking to Jerry on the HHS Private messaging system 10/2, 10/4, and 10/6.. Where he talked about the screaming deal on his 1966 Pink Mustang Convertible... "Traded the Ford company a couple of my Guitars and about $1,200.00 Cash for it". We had talked about my wife's health and the possibility of Dave Bunker and I comming up for a visit. He was quite a Character and I do miss him dearly, LeGrand Richardson.


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